Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana) is a native tree in Maryland (Deciduous). The sections below summarize where it grows, how to recognize it, and how it supports local ecosystems.
Habitat and range
Dry rocky ridges and mountain slopes, dominant “chestnut oak” belt vegetation in parts of western Maryland.
Identification
White oak group, rounded leaf teeth without bristles; blocky dark bark; acorns large in shallow cups.
Soil and moisture
Thin, rocky, well-drained, acidic; tolerates drought and exposure.
Wildlife value
Sweet acorns for bears, deer, turkeys, and small mammals; bark furrows shelter insects.
Uses and significance
Timber and firewood; erosion control on steep slopes; iconic ridge-top canopy tree.