rock chestnut oak
North American
noun
Any of several North American oak trees, especially Quercus prinus, native to rocky habitats in the eastern United States, which has deeply fissured bark and large acorns.
- The taxonomic position of Quercus prinus is disputed, some authors treat it as a variety of the closely related species, Q. michauxii..
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in François André Michaux (1770–1855).