Chinkapin Oak Tree Seeds | Quercus muehlenbergii
Chinkapin Oak Tree Seeds | Quercus muehlenbergii
Resilient roots. Sweet rewards.
Quercus muehlenbergii, the Chinkapin Oak, is a limestone-loving native prized for its strength, adaptability, and sweet acorns. A standout member of the white oak group, it thrives in rugged, alkaline soils where few others can—making it a favorite for reforestation, restoration, and wildlife habitat projects across North America.
With light-gray bark, glossy toothed leaves, and a rounded crown, this hardy hardwood offers both beauty and purpose. Its acorns are rich in nutrients and beloved by deer, turkey, quail, and wood ducks, while its sturdy wood and drought tolerance make it a smart choice for long-term landscape resilience.
- Native Range: Eastern and Central United States
- High wildlife value—sweet acorns feed countless birds and mammals
- Tolerant of alkaline soils and thrives on limestone slopes and ridges
- Excellent for reforestation, habitat creation, and long-term shade
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Quercus muehlenbergii
- Common Name: Chinkapin Oak
- Stratification: Required (60–90 days cold stratification)
- USDA Zones: 4–7
- Soil: Prefers alkaline, well-drained limestone soils; tolerates clay, loam, and rocky ground
- Light: Full sun
- Height: 40–70 feet
- Spread: 40–60 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (1–2.5 ft/year)
- Lifespan: 200–300 years
Plant Chinkapin Oak seeds for a legacy of strength and ecological value—this native oak builds soil, shelters wildlife, and brings enduring beauty to every landscape.
Related Seeds
- White Oak Tree Seeds — Classic hardwood with long life and rich wildlife value
- Bur Oak Tree Seeds — Massive-crowned native oak with extreme cold tolerance
- Red Oak Tree Seeds — Fast-growing shade oak with fiery fall color
Evergreen Seed Co. provides rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds trusted by growers nationwide—each batch carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with full planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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