Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii): Basket Oak

Swamp chestnut oak, or basket oak, is a large deciduous oak native to southeastern US bottomlands, with chestnut-like leaves and sweet acorns used historically for basket weaving.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This tree grows 60–80 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown. Leaves are obovate, coarsely toothed, resembling chestnut leaves, turning yellow-brown in fall. Acorns are large, sweet, mature in one year. Bark is light gray, scaly.

Cultivation and Uses

Swamp chestnut oak prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil but tolerates periodic flooding. It is a magnificent shade tree for large properties. The wood is used for baskets, barrels, furniture. Acorns are sweet, edible raw.

Wildlife

Large acorns are preferred by deer, turkeys, hogs.