The Rock or Chestnut Oak.
Quercus montana, Willd. Sp. Pl. vol. iv. p. 440. Pursh, Flor. Amer. Sept. vol. ii. p. 634. Mich. Arbr. Forest. vol. i. p. 56. pl. 8.—Monœcia Polyandria, Linn. Amentaceæ, Juss.
This species of oak is distinguished by its obovate or oblong largely toothed or sinuate leaves, which are acuminate, and tapering at the base, of a deep shining green above, whitish and downy beneath. The cupule is hemispherical, with tuberculate scales; the acorn ovate. It grows to a great size, forming a fine ornament to our woods, and in open situations spreads abroad its branches to a great extent. The wood is valuable, and is much employed in the Western and Southern countries, where, as well as in some of the Middle Districts, it abounds. It prefers elevated situations, and generally occurs in dry gravelly soil.