Quercus prinoides, commonly known as Dwarf Chinquapin Oak, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to dry upland forests and rocky slopes in the Central and Eastern USA. It typically grows 13–20 feet (4–6 meters) tall and wide, with a rounded crown and dense foliage. This species is notable for its ability to spread vegetatively through underground rhizomes. The leaves resemble those of the larger Chinkapin Oak but are smaller, measuring 5–15 centimeters (2–6 inches) long. The Dwarf Chinquapin Oak produces acorns that are 15–25 millimeters (1⁄2–1 inch) long, with the cup enclosing about half of the acorn. These acorns are sweet-tasting, green, mature in a single season, and germinate immediately without winter dormancy. The plant is also known for its ability to hybridize with other species in the white oak group. Flowering and seed production begin when the plant is 3–4 years old.

The Dwarf Chinquapin Oak is valued for its wildlife-friendly acorns, which are a food source for various animals, and for its ornamental qualities, such as the attractive, glossy leaves. It is used in naturalized plantings, as a border shrub, or in wildlife gardens. The plant is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have medium to fast drainage, and it thrives in full sun. While the wood has limited commercial value due to the plant’s small size, it can be used for specialized woodworking projects. Gardeners should be aware that this oak can spread through its rhizomes, potentially becoming more extensive than anticipated.CC BY-SA 4.0