NATURE NOTE – Number 95                                                 June 28, 2024

Introduction: 

For centuries, across many parts of the world, one tree has stood out as THE tree to use as a symbol on coins, currency, and family crests, and in poems, songs, art and literature. How often does a crossword puzzle need a three-letter word for a majestic tree?  This tree is…

Our current topic:  The Mighty Oak

The genus Quercus is found worldwide, and in many species.  In general the genus is divided into red oaks and white oaks, with many species in each category.  Red oaks have sharp points on the leaves; white oaks have rounded lobes.  There are other chemical and physical differences, but these are not readily seen.  We have several species of each in our area.  Some of the more common species are (WO for white oak and RO for red oak):

White Oak (Quercus alba)(WO) – with its light colored bark and rounded lobed leaf, this is a favorite oak and an easily recognized tree in the forest as well as open areas where it’s crown expands to a large, round and stately shape.  It’s often the oak of furniture and cabinets, as well as wine barrels, and in earlier days, shipbuilding, because in doesn’t leak like red oak.

Chestnut Oak Quercus prinus – very common on the BRMC reservation, it is commonly found on dry, rocky ridges.  The leaf has many shallow sinuses and rounded lobes, making it resemble a chestnut leaf but without the sharp points on the lobes. The wood is used like white oak.

Post Oak Quercus stelatta (WO) – not as common, but found on the reservation, this leaf has what appears to be one set of deeper sinuses (the spaces between the lobes) mid-way down each leaf.  Often used like white oak.

Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra (RO) – maybe the most iconic of the American oaks, it’s found in our area as a forest tree or planted ornamental.  Its deep red leaves in the fall are in contrast to many oaks that have brown leaves in the fall.  Its wood is a favorite for flooring and interior trim, as well as industrial use for lesser quality lumber.  It produces a large, long acorn.

Southern Red Oak Quercus falcata (RO) – more southern than its cousin, this tree is found in our area to the east of the Blue Ridge.  Its leaves are long and pointy, and somewhat irregular in shape like someone has stretched the leaf.

Pin Oak Quercus palustris (RO) - also a common yard tree because of its fast growth, this tree can be recognized often by the horizontal placement of center  branches from the trunk and the deep leaf sinuses.  The leaves are scarlet red in the fall. 

Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) (RO) – a common tree found on poorer soil, it is quite common on the reservation, and can be confused with Pin oak.  Often, it has a slightly fluted trunk at the base, and frequently has a number of dead limbs at the top. As suspected, leaves are scarlet in the fall. 

Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) (RO) – with a single, narrow, pointed leaf, this oak is often planted because of its long life and fast growth.  Not common in the wild in this part of the state.

Black Oak (Quercus velutina) (RO) – with thick, leathery-feeling leaves, this tree can exhibit a variety of leaf shapes.  A mountain species common on the reservation, it produces a less attractive wood than other red oaks, but is often used for products that don’t need a nice appearance, such as railroad cross ties.

Blackjack Oak (Quercus marilandica) (RO) – a common species found on BRSR with broad, irregular leaves and twisted branches.  It’s more of a shrub than tree and is an indicator of poor soil and growing conditions. Not of much use for lumber.

Use your tree identification app or a tree guide for more species information.  The Virginia Department of Forestry has an excellent guide called Common Native Trees of Virginia for $5.  (See:  www.dof.virginia.gov).  Also, take a look at NATURE NOTE #20 on Tree ID.

In addition to their value as a food source (see NATURE NOTE Number 62 on acorns) for many animals, and their shade, beauty and inspiration, the wood of oaks have always been a favorite for products such as hardwood floors, bourbon barrels, furniture, pallets, interior trim, caskets and railroad ties.  This is due to the strength, durability and resistance of the wood as well as its natural beauty.  Oak lumber, like other hardwood lumber, is divided into several categories after being sawn, based on quality and appearance, and then purchasers of the lumber buy the grade that best fits their needs for their final product. 

Opportunity:

Every scout – opinion here – should know what a white oak looks like. Not sure why, it just seems to be something scouting should teach.  And since oaks are common in the forest, yards and parks, as well as inside your home, it might be helpful to teach them something about oaks in general.  It’s a tree that has been a super star in nature for centuries, and deserves a little acknowledgement and understanding.  See what you can do to help that along.  Look for oaks wherever you go and you’ll probably find one – or many.  How many species can you find at Camp Powhatan?  Talk to your scouts about acorns and how wildlife needs this food source.  Talk about how different oaks grow in different parts of the country and on different soil conditions.  And have them look around inside their homes for wood – maybe oak – products.  They don’t, for the most part, know about oaks and its uses.  Help them out.  Teach nature.  And THANK YOU for doing that.

Contact me with thoughts.

Bob Garst

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