Quercus chapmanii

Common Names

Chapman Oak, Chapman White Oak, Scrub Oak

Summary

Chapman's oak is a Southeastern coastal plain native shrub or small tree, typically 0.5–3 m tall, with a spreading, multi-stem habit that forms thickets and spreads by rhizomes. It inhabits dry xeric habitats on sandy ridges and coastal dunes, including scrub, scrubby flatwoods, sandhills, and open pine forests near the coast on white sands; its range includes Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. Leaves are simple, alternate, obovate to oblong with smooth margins; topside shiny dark green and underside pale with pubescence along the midvein. Acorns are produced in pairs, about 15–20 mm long and 9–13 mm wide, with a gray cup, maturing in one season.

In cultivation, it tolerates USDA hardiness zones 8A–10B, prefers full sun and well-drained sandy soils, and shows drought tolerance with moderate salt spray tolerance. Propagation is by seed or division of underground stems. In landscapes, it serves as a thicket screen or habitat plant, and provides wildlife value through acorns as a food source and as a host for butterfly larvae; the plant is long-lived.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-30 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8a-10b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained sandy soils

Soil pH

Acidic

Bloom Color

Green

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Topside: shiny dark green; underside: dull light green to almost yellow; abaxial surface grayish or yellowish.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow or Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, butterflies, and bees