Reading Takes Root

What You Didn't Know About
The Mighty Oak

Everybody has a favorite tree. Even if you haven’t officially named yours, you know the ones you like best and why. Maybe it’s the tree’s dramatic fall color, fragrant spring flowers, or just its impressive, climbable structure and shade-producing canopy.

The Live Oak

The oak tree – and its many varieties – is a favorite of many. In fact, The Arbor Day Foundation says Americans voted the oak tree as the country’s national emblem.

What makes the oak tree so special?

Most people recognize the oak as a symbol of strength. They revere oaks for their majestic qualities and because they can live more than 200 years. In fact, the oak is also the national tree of England and Germany, in addition to the U.S. In Europe, the oak has been referred to as the “king of the forest” for its great age, size, strength and endurance. Oak’s sturdy timber has been used to frame houses and barns and even build ships. Oak wood is also beautiful, which is why many people prefer its grain in flooring and cabinets.

The Northern Pin Oak

There are approximately 400 species in the oak genus worldwide, most of which are deciduous, but there are some evergreen varieties, such as the live oak, which grows in southern regions of the U.S. Oaks provide attractive autumn hues, the leaves of which some say remain on the tree longer into the fall season than others, providing an extended show.

The tiny acorn comes from the mighty oak tree, which inspired the common saying, “Great oaks from little acorns grow.” But oaks don’t produce acorns right away. Some can make acorns starting at between 10 and 20 years old, while others wait until they are 50 years old. By the time it is 75 years old, an oak can produce thousands of acorns. But for every 10,000 acorns produced, only one will become a tree. Many people are amazed by the fact that such a large, old tree can erupt from something as vulnerable and tiny as a simple acorn.

The largest certified oak tree on record is the more than 1,500-year-old “Seven Sisters Oak” in Mandeville, La. with a circumference of 38-feet and a 150-foot crown spread. The tree gets its name from the seven sets of branches leading away from a center trunk. In August 2005, this mighty oak survived a near direct hit from Hurricane Katrina.