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Genus Quercus
Oak tree species are characterized by their acorns, leaves, and bark
type.
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There are two subgroups for oaks:
red oaks and white oaks. Red oaks
have
jagged leaves. White oaks have
smoother tipped leaves.
Oak trees flower in the spring before
leaves appear, and large quantities of
pollen are produced. Oak leaves
are very low in nutrients, but high in
acid. |
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Bur oak in white oak group |
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White oak acorns mature the first year on the twigs, and
the inner shell of the acorns (the nut, not the cups) are hairless. Red
oak acorns mature over two years on the branchlets, and their inner
shells are hairy.
In abundant years, a single oak tree may produce 2,000
to 7,000 acorns. Individual acorn trees may go several years producing
only small quantities of acorns. Even though most acorns are very
bitter, they are used for nuts, flour, and candy. Acorns are a staple in
the diet of wild turkeys, squirrels, Blue Jays, and Eastern Chipmunks.
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Northern red oak |
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Author: Melissa Minter. October 2001.
© 2013 Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Biology Department.
The contents of this page have not been reviewed by ARCC.
Last Updated -July 28, 2016
Comments or Problems contact:
Melanie Waite-Altringer or
Joan McKearnan or
Terry Teppen
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