Question
What are some good choices for short oak trees for the southeast that have the largest acorn? I have to deal with electric company towers in my field the right-of-way, so I need an oak that doesn't gettoo tall.

Answer
Dwarf Chestnut Oak
(Quercus prinoides)
The Dwarf Chestnut Oak is a small deciduous tree native to much of the eastern and central United States. It gets its name from its toothed elliptically-shaped leaves, which resemble those of a chestnut tree. Another common name for the species is Dwarf Chinkapin Oak. The plant is a member of the white oak family and a cousin of the Chestnut (or Rock) Oak.

Quercus prinoides usually doesn't grow more than 20 feet tall, and it begins producing acorns at a young age, often when only three or four years old. Unlike many oaks, once it starts bearing, it has a good crop almost every year. Its acorns are also less bitter and more palatable to wildlife than those of most other oaks.

The tree can be used as a combination landscaping and wildlife plant. It is small enough and attractive enough to put into borders and gardens, where its leaves can turn a blazing orange-red before dropping in autumn. It can also be incorporated into a semi-wild area, where a grouping of several palnts can quickly create an excellent wildlife habitat.

The following information applies to the Dwarf Chestnut Oak.

Scientific Name(s): Quercus prinoides

Common Name(s): Dwarf Chestnut Oak, Dwarf Chinkapin Oak

Plant Type: Small deciduous tree

Height: 15 to 20 feet

Cultivation Zones: 5 to 8

I am sure there are others I would check with your local tree nursery and ask them for a list of dwarf oaks and their size that will live in your area.