Swamp chestnut oak has large, chestnut-like leaves with rounded teeth and large, sweet acorns. The bark is light gray and flaky. It is also called basket oak for the use of its wood in baskets.
Habitat and range
In Maryland, swamp chestnut oak grows in bottomlands, floodplains, and moist woods on the coastal plain. It tolerates seasonal flooding and prefers rich, alluvial soils.
Uses and significance
The wood is used for lumber and cooperage. Acorns are large and palatable to wildlife and were used by people. Swamp chestnut oak is a valuable component of bottomland hardwood forests.