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Quercus chapmanii Sarg.
(KWER-kus chap-MAN-ee-i)
Chapman Oak
Quercus chapmanii Sarg.
(KWER-kus chap-MAN-ee-i)
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GENERAL:
A small, shrubby evergreen tree, Chapman Oaks grow to 8 m (24 ft.) in
height. It is commonly found on well-drained sandhills and scrubs
where it associates with the other “scrub oaks,” Q. myrtifolia, Q.
inopina and Q. geminata. It is named for Alvan Wentworth Chapman,
1809-1899, a botanist who studied and wrote about plants of the South,
especially scrubs.
Because of its small stature, the hard wood is best suited for tool
handles and fence posts. The acorns provide food for wildlife,
especially turkeys, jays and grackles. The tannins in the bark
have traditionally been used to tan animal hides.
FLOWERS / FRUIT:
The female flowers are single or in pairs, but are inconspicuous.
The male flowers are in drooping catkins appearing in the spring.
The acorns grow up to 2.5 cm (1 in) long, and one half is covered by
the bowl-shaped cup which is attached without a stalk. One of the
white oak group, its acorns mature in one season and have a sweeter
flavor.
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Chapman Oak (Quercus chapmanii)
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LEAVES / STEMS:
The leaves are alternate, simple and ovate to elliptic, but often
spatulate (wider toward the apex and 5-10 cm (2-4 in) long.
Mostly entire, the margins sometimes have shallow lobes, but most often
they are wavy. They are distinguished from the other scrub oaks
by being sparingly pubescent (having short hairs) on their lower leaf
surface. The upper surface is lustrous, often with a quilted
appearance.
The thick, gray-brown bark is broken into irregular plates.
DISTRIBUTION:
It is found in scrubs, ancient dunes and sandy hammocks along the coastal plain from south central Florida to South Carolina.
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