Quercus montana

Habitat: Often found growing in poor, dry and rocky soils but does best in well-drained loams.  Common in the mountains, piedmont, and inner coastal Plain north of the James River; infrequent to rare in the s. and outer coastal Plain.

Wildlife value: Oak trees support a wide variety of Lepidopteran (butterflies and moths). Acorns are important food source for songbirds, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, mice, deer, and other mammals. Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybees

Notes: The mature bark is distinctive with tight ridges and is similar to the chestnut tree