Facts About Oak Trees

The oak tree is not a single species, but about 400 species of oak trees and shrubs exist worldwide. Oak trees are of the genus Quercus. This family, which includes deciduous and evergreen species is native to the northern hemisphere. These trees bear flowers in spring, and the acorn (which is actually a nut) is its fruit. Most acorns contain only one seed, and take between 6 to18 months to mature, depending on the species.

Main Species of Oak Trees

• The red oaks of North America, Central America and northern South America have acorn nuts that are enclosed in a papery skin that mature in 18 months.
• The species called the white oaks grow in Europe, Asia and North America. This species has leaves that lack a bristle on their lobe tips, and have acorns that mature in 6 months.
• The Canyon live oak and its relatives in southwest United States and northwest Mexico have leaves with sharp lobe tips, and bristles at the lobe tip. The acorns mature in 18 months and taste very bitter.
• Another species, the Hungarian oak and its relatives of Europe and Asia also have acorns that mature in about 6 months and taste bitter.
• The Turkey oak and its relatives of Europe and Asia have leaves that have sharp lobe tips with bristles at the lobe tip. The acorns mature in 18 months.

Facts about Oak Trees

• A serious threat to oak trees is the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum, which causes Oak Wilt, a lethal disease to oaks, especially red oaks. Wood-boring beetles are another menace to oak trees. Many older oaks face root rot which often shows no signs on the outside, but becomes evident when the tree falls during a storm. A deadly water mold to the oak tree is Phytophthora ramorum or Sudden Oak Death, which can kill an oak in just a few weeks.
• Certain types of oak wood were used in Europe to construct navy ships.
• Oak wood is renowned for its great strength and hardness. As it has a high tannin content, it can withstand insect and fungal attack.
• Boards of oak that are wide and quarter-sawn have fetched a high value from the Middle Ages. These boards are used as interior paneling of important buildings such as the debating chamber of the British House of Commons in London, England. Some of the best furniture is made from this wood. oak wood is also very widely used for the purpose of flooring.
• Many different spirits are aged and matured in oak barrels. Barrels made from European and American oak are used to hold red wines, sherry, brandy, Scotch whisky and Bourbon whisky for this purpose. Wines stored in oak barrels imbibe many different dimensions and are often described as having an oaky vanillin flavor. Some oak barrels are charred before use, and add to the color, taste, and aroma of the fluids stored in them. Wines that are stored in French oak barrels achieve a greater refinement, and a higher price! This is not to take away from the American oak, which gives a wine better texture and resistance to aging.
• The smoke from oak wood chips is used for smoking fish, meat, cheese and other foods. It is also used for tanning leather, as the bark is rich in tannin. Some of the best professional drums are made from Japanese oak by manufacturer Yamaha Drums. These drums give off a brighter and louder tone compared to regular drums, owing to the rough, hard surface of the oak.
• Transcending times and cultures, the oak has symbolized strength and endurance. For this reason it stands tall as the national tree of England, Estonia, France, Germany, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the United States, Basque Country, Wales and Serbia.
• A famous oak tree is the huge Major Oak near the village of Edwinstowe in the heart of Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, England. This ancient tree is between 800 to 1000 years old and has a waistline of 33 feet. What makes this magnificent tree so popular is the belief that it was Robin Hood's shelter where he and his merry men slept.

Oak trees by themselves and their wood benefit the human race in multiple ways. Recent studies have also shown the important role they play in reducing global warming.