Quercus muehlenbergii, or chinquapin oak, is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from New England and southern Ontario to Minnesota, south to the Florida panhandle, and west to New Mexico and northern Mexico. It is easily grown in full sun and well-drained soils, preferring moist, fertile loams in cultivation but often found in dry, rocky soils in the wild. It is drought-tolerant and can take up to 30 years to bear acorns. Acorns provide valuable food for wildlife. Despite these risks, it is considered a low-maintenance, long-lived tree. Ideal as a shade tree for large lawns or parks, it thrives in rich, deep soils but is also well-suited to alkaline soils. It is also moderately tolerant of urban soils and drought. Prune in the dormant season to prevent attracting beetles that may spread oak wilt. Quercus muehlenbergii drops acorns and a moderate number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the acorn litter and seasonal leaf drop that require regular cleanup.