Chinquapin oak

Quercus muehlenbergii Engelm.

Family: Fagaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

fruits (raw acorns), young leaves

Preparation

none: ornamental plant, no eating information given

Hazard type

NC State: low severity poison characteristics

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA's oak page is whole-genus and names horses; no dog or cat verdict for this species. NC State lists low-severity poison characteristics for fruits and leaves. No all-clear is given; treat this plant as unchecked for pets.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Quercus muehlenbergii Engelm., not on the common name.. Same species. ASPCA's oak entry is whole-genus.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a to 7b (NC State). Not listed for zones 8 and above.
Water needs: good drainage, occasionally dry; drought-tolerant
Mature size: unit: ft; scope: species, NC State
Where it comes from: NC State: southern Ontario to central and eastern United States and northeastern Mexico; 'an entire half of the continental US from New Mexico, Nebraska and Minnesota eastwards'.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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