The red oak, also called Quercus Rubra in Latin produces some of the most common types of oak wood. Black oak has quite a tell-tale smell that is commonly found in other types of oak and is also considered to be very appealing by most people. The leaves tend to be leathery and feature cross-shaped lobes. Their bark is medium-dark to dark-gray and furrowed. More than 80 species of this beautiful oak tree are found in North America. Trunk diameters for bur oaks typically range from 2 to 3 feet. What type, red or white, is the Live Oak - Quercus virginiana? List goes on and on! Cherrybark oak contains a very minimal level of rot resistance yet it is categorized as one of the highest qualities and the strongest of oaks in the red oak group. I didn't know there were different types. Black oak wood, also referred to as Eastern Black Oak is popularly found in the region of Eastern North America. Many types of oak can also cross with other types, so there is great potential for new species to be reported and characterized. Currently there are approximately 600 different species listed in the Quercus(Oak) genus. I love oak trees for several reasons, one being their inherent beauty, and another being the many uses of their wood—fence posts, fence rails, barrels, casks, boards, and furniture are just a few. California Black Oak. White oak bark was a staple in traditional medicine. Four of them are deciduous and one is an evergreen. Although most oaks are deciduous, the state tree is one of the few evergreen oak species. Trees species: Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii) Found in hilly regions between 2,000 and 6,000 feet. I've even written about the value of oak (and other hardwoods) as firewood. Rachel Koski Nielsen (author) from Pennsylvania, now farming in Minnesota on August 08, 2012: Lady_E - Thanks for dropping by and commenting. The bark on their trunks tends to be very dark, whereas most other white oak group members have light-gray bark. It is one of the fastest growing oak trees. They prefer dry soil, and their leaves are more deeply lobed than those of their close red oak relatives. These are huge trees that can easily reach heights of over 100 feet and trunk diameters of more than 4. Black oak wood, also referred to as Eastern Black Oak is popularly found in the region of Eastern North ... 2. 4. Pin oaks are very similar to scarlet oaks, but their buds are hairless, and in the wild, they typically grow many small, "pin-like" branches. The smaller trunk diameter makes squaring these logs easy and fast, and the rot-resistant wood makes for long-lasting fence material. Oak Tree Uses: Timber. There is a variety of oak wood that falls under the red oak species. Red oak wood takes on a pinkish-red hue and the red oak trees consist of broad, lobed leaves. Willow Oak. White oak acorns take one year to reach maturity, while red oak acorns take two years. It is popularly used in railway ties, fuel and fencing. Some pieces of red oak however can have a lighter tone too and a nice shaded reddish look can be achieved. I didn't always know there were so many different types of trees, either. Scarlet oak can be hard to split, but it makes good firewood nonetheless. Thanks! Here is a guide to help you identify them in both summer and winter. Southern Red Oak or Spanish Oak (Quercus falcata)Native region: North America . These trees are large, usually growing to between 70 and 100 feet tall, with trunk diameters easily reaching 3 feet. An overriding characteristic of this oak wood is it’s distinct, usually wide, light and dark brown growth rings. But if it is very straight-grained, it could be worth more for other uses. Eastern white oak wood also burns very hot, so it's a great choice for home-heating or cooking with wood. They are distinct from subgenus Quercus in that they have acorns with distinctive cups bearing concrescent rings of scales; they commonly also have densely clustered acorns, though this does not apply to all of the species. Often times it may even have interlocked or irregular grain but that depends on the growing conditions of the oak tree. These trees generally grow to between 70 and 100 feet tall, with trunk diameters ranging from 3 to 4 feet. There are both deciduous and evergreen species and some are semi-evergreen. In terms of rot resistance, this type of oak wood is considered to fall between slightly durable and non-durable. Another popular type of oak is Red Oak. This type of oak wood is commonly found in the Eastern United States and sports medium reddish-brown color appearance; however, you can expect variation in color and shade. Question: When should I trim dead oak branches? A surprising yet interesting fact about willow oak is that it has a lot of medicinal properties and has been used externally as an analgesic. This species is very large but sometimes not as tall as other oaks. It has a fairly coarse and grainy texture with the appearance of medium to large pores. White oak is highly popular among woodworkers and many people for flooring and construction. Still, the wood is found to be hard and heavy which is why some of its typical uses include firewood and general construction. Some of the most common uses of black oak include flooring, veneer, furniture, interior trim and furniture making. Cherrybark Oak: 50: 50-100' well-drained: 15: full sun: timber, wildlife food & cover: Chestnut oak: A member of the white oak family adapted to dry, rocky soils. Cherrybark Oak. It's a tiny tree with just a few leaves but it holds the promise of providing a shady corner in the garden sometime in the future. Alder is a hardwood which is slowly gaining a rising popularity due to its natural … There are other oaks and evergreen oaks often referred to as "live oaks", but they might not be white oaks if they aren't the real Virginia live oak deal. Oak, Live Common Name: Live Oak Quercus virginiana Tree Size: Large Leaf Type: Evergreen Comments: The Escarpment Live Oak is a closely related native species more suited to Central and West Texas. Glad you liked the article! There are way too many trees for me to recommend to you! About 150 species. Popular Types of Oak Wood. Straight-grained red oak splits very nicely into fence boards and roof shingles and is known to burn hot and split well for firewood. Learning the difference is the first step to identifying an oak leaf. Oak varies in color from light golden shades to medium browns. Otherwise I'll just have to wait an awfully long time to see what its bark looks like. I have pictures. LongTimeMother from Australia on January 28, 2013: I planted an oak tree today. Your hub has inspired me to take a look at the parent tree and see if I can find any clues about which type or oak tree it is. Sometimes called the "mossycup oak" because of the fringe on its acorn cups, this tree usually grows to be more than 80 feet tall and can reach heights of up to 150 feet. Look for a "lobe and sinus" pattern on the … The most common oak tree in the UK is is also known as the English Oak and the German Oak. The acorns are an important food source for wildlife. All oaks trees are deciduous trees with toothed leaves and … It is most often used in hardwood flooring, cabinetry, fence posts, and barrels. She owned and operated a small farm in Minnesota for 5 years, until 2019. Bur oak is one of the largest types of oaks, with a trunk diameter going up to 10 ft. Interesting fact: This tree attracts butterflies and is a larval host for two species … Heights range from 60 to 150 feet and generally depend on the environment each tree grows in. Question: What is the proper name of the gray oak? Trunk diameters range from 3 to 5 feet. Live oak Live oak is one of the famous types of oak tree which is known for its beauty and evergreen color. Pin Oak, also known as swamp Spanish Oak is native to the Eastern United States and is one of the most commonly used oaks due to its relatively fast growth, ease of transplant, and pollution tolerance. Oakwood is also very easily recognizable because of its grain pattern that is exceptionally unique and distinguishable. Oak trees produce both male and female flowers that use the wind to self-pollinate. Learn to identify a few of the more common oak species based on their bark, leaves, and other characteristics. Their leaves are their best identifier and are usually glossy or shiny on top, which distinguishes them from the leaves of most other red oak trees. Thanks for the great info. To identify oak trees, look for bark that has deep fissures and ridges, … Alder Wood. Sect. The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) Discover the different types of Tulip trees here. More pictures, and photos of oak trees can be viewed at Oak Tree Pics. Their inner bark is red-orange. But most importantly, the reason why you often see such a plethora of types of oak wood is because there is no single type of oak tree. I love to play the identification game, seeing if I know which oak is which. Great Britain’s five species of oak As we have said, although there are 600 species of oak worldwide, there are just five common oak trees to be found in Great Britain, two native and three imported. Types of Oak Furniture, It isn’t easy to add character and style to your room, but only oak furniture can achieve that. Rachel worked as a farm manager for 3 years in Pennsylvania. Gardeners can landscape with native oak trees for this region since the soil-type requirements vary greatly, depending on the type of tree selected. Common Oak Tree Types. The tree species listed in this section are white oaks that are common in the US. Or why it is the most popular choice of wood used in flooring and furniture by most people? Some can only be distinguished by looking at the "hairs" on their stems, the colors of their acorn caps, or the number and shape of the lobes on their leaves. Live oaks are long-lived trees. Rachel Koski Nielsen (author) from Pennsylvania, now farming in Minnesota on August 02, 2012: Grandmapearl - Thanks so much for the votes and shares! This type of oak wood is also referred to as Kellogg Oak and is typically found in great abundance in the Western United States. There’s nothing quite like standing under a giant, ancient oak with a five-foot trunk diameter and gazing up into the treetop. Answer: Quercus grisea; it is in the white oak group. Their inner bark is orange but less red than that of the northern red oak. The leaves of the pin oak tree are broad and lobed and the name “pin oak” is primarily due to the fact that it contains many small, slender twigs and quite distinctive dead branches on the lower trunk, referred to as ‘pins’. I have a pin oak, but I love tall trees. It mainly grows in North America and has a very straight-grained look with a coarse texture. Share Share on Pinterest. Perhaps, the best and easiest way to be able to do that is by learning about the different types of oak wood, their features, and characteristics. While white oak tends to look more beige-to-brown and red oak looks rosier, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between the various types of oak based on color alone. No point waiting to see how tall it grows. Protobalanus, the canyon live oak and its relatives, in the southwestern United States and … You can tell pin oaks from other red oaks by their downward-sloping lower branches. Bur oak wood is one of the finest qualities of wood found in the white oak group and also highly durable. Oak trees do not usually have a single, straight leader after branching begins, … Keep in mind designs that we see today are a recreation where each piece… . The shiny leaves of these trees are variable but are usually divided into two or more portions and display the typical rounded lobes of the white oak group. Georgia is home to many oak tree species; more than 20 of them are natives. In-depth descriptions and bark/leaf photos of each species appear below in the order they are presented in this table. Scarlet oak This is among those types of oak tree which grows till 60 to 80 feet. The bark of this tree is somewhat medium grayish and really rugged as well. Their trunk bark is typically light-gray and furrowed. It was turned into farming land and then as land for a residence. This is a relatively small oak species, ranging in height from 50 to 70 feet with average trunk diameters of 1 to 2 feet. Which tree would be perfect for this type of soil? Willow oak is a North American species of a tree belonging to the red oak group and is native to Eastern and Central United States. It is well known that oak furniture can last forever. The variety of oak wood that falls under the white oak group includes: There are all sorts of color and shade variations that you would see in oak lumber that not just depend on the exact species of oak but also on the growing conditions of every single tree. The willow oak wood is primarily used for pulp and paper production and many times for lumber. Oak trees are known for their extreme heights, unique acorns and hardwood. Another good way to differentiate white from red oaks is the shape of the leaf lobes. Typically associated with conifers and pines, firs, or incense cedars. Oak Tree Identification. Northern red oaks are used for many commercial products such as fence posts, railroad ties, floors and cabinets. This type of oak wood belongs to the white oak species and is also commonly known as Mossycup Oak. Click here for more information and photos. It has a light to medium reddish-brown color, however; there can come with a slight variation in their color some times. The wood of this oak is dark brown in appearance and is found to be super heavy, tough, hard and close-grained. Answer: Sure, as firewood. Straight-grained with a … A decoction of willow oak wood chips or bark has also been proven to be extremely beneficial for chronic diarrhea and hemorrhages. Pin oak has quite a distinctive shape that is found to be extremely unique among other hardwoods. Black oak also tends to split well and make very good firewood. These medium-sized to large trees typically grow to between 70 and 100 feet tall with trunk diameters averaging 2 to 3 feet. :). It sports a straight-grained look with a slightly coarse texture. The ring-cupped oaks (synonym genus Cyclobalanopsis). Their leaves are lobed, and the lobes have multiple points but are not as long as those of other red oak group members (like the scarlet oak). https://owlcation.com/stem/Types-of-Oak-Trees-with-pictures-of-bark If you were to tell apart the different types of oak wood just by looking at the color, it would be quite an impossible task because many oak wood types can be quite similar and difficult to differentiate. Their bark is dark and furrowed, and their wood is good for splitting and burning. The trunk bark is light-gray and has shallow grooves. to close bleeding wounds. Southern red oaks, sometimes called Spanish oaks, prefer sandy upland soil and are often confused with cherrybark oaks. The house’s original owner told me that it was an Italian oak. Eastern white oak leaves are usually evenly lobed and a bit whiteish on their undersides. Most oaks fall into one of two main categories—white and red. Acorns are also used to feed livestock. Overall Shape. Open spaces allow the eastern white oak to branch out and develop a wide silhouette, whereas those growing in a denser forest tend to become taller. In fact, research shows that there are more than 60 varieties of Oak that grow throughout the United States alone. https://www.treehugger.com/common-oaks-north-america-4174951 Botanists often discuss the genus Quercus as made up of two broad categories, red oaks and white oaks, and Georgia natives include both types. Like red oak, white oak also is abundant in North America. Identifying Oak Leaves Learn to identify oak leaves. Most people know what an oak tree is and can probably even identify certain trees as oaks when they see them. Oaks of this species are often between 70 and 150 feet tall with trunk diameters easily reaching 4 feet. Right now the squirrels are working the oak trees--in fact, I have to wear a hat when I go outside to help cushion my head from the falling acorns! But did you know there are more than 60 different species of oak trees in the United States alone? I actually thought oak was oak. It is distributed between the Eastern and Mid-western United States and also south-central Canada. With over sixty different oak species in the U.S alone and hundreds more across the globe, it can be challenging to identify oak leaves. I'm more the wiser now, thanks to you. Red oak is included in a group of oaks (northern and southern red oaks) categorized by that same name. Not only this but the fact that it sports a steel-like structure and contains some amazing rich tones make it an absolute favorite among woodworkers, carpenters and furniture makers. These include: Just like red oak, white oak is also found in great abundance in North America. A friend gave it to my husband as a gift. If you have extremely harsh winters, you can wait until the spring. 3. English oak is commonly planted for forestry and produces highly durable and long-lasting heartwood. One of the most distinctive features of chestnut oak is its massive dark gray-brown ridged bark that is believed to be the thickest of any oak found in North America. Answer: You should do a soil test where you want to plant the trees. Also, where can you buy metal tags for your oak trees? Their leaves have many pairs of rounded teeth—sometimes as many as 16. This is also referred to as European Oak and is primarily found in most of Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor. There are a number of common oak species in California including both tree species and shrub species. When it comes to grain and texture, California Black Oak contains medium to large pores and has a coarse grain texture. In England, English oak (Quercus robur) is the most common variety. Rachel Koski Nielsen (author) from Pennsylvania, now farming in Minnesota on January 12, 2018: @Ernst Hall - though there is debate about this, q. virginiana is classified as a white oak! There are a few species that exhibit a shrub type growth form instead of a tree form. 1. Quercus (synonyms Lepidobalanus and Leucobalanus ), the white oaks of Europe, Asia and North America. Subgenus Quercus. Black Oak. The grain of this type of oak wood is straight with a faintly uneven and coarse texture. Red oaks tend to have pointier lobes on their leaves compared to white oaks, and their acorns take two years to mature. This list includes a few of the more common white and red oak species found in the US and a little information about how to identify them. They produce excellent wood for all varieties of interior and exterior construction and are known for their phenomenal rot-resistance. Pink oak wood is typically sold as red oak however, it is known to be somewhat weaker and inferior in quality compared to other types of oak wood, perhaps because it contains many small knots. Answer: In the fall. What’s even more fascinating is that the Latin name of Oak is Quercus Robur which translates to “strength” in the English language. Hardwood floors made using red oak usually have a reddish tone, thus the name. Chestnut oak, a species of the white oak group is native to the Eastern United States. This wood is particularly famous for shelving, furniture, and other similar home fixtures. Here … White Oak Janka rating is 1,360 (slightly harder than red oak). The tannin in oak bark is valuable in the tanning industry. Be it a new cupboard, a coffee table or a lavish dining table, the variety of oak wood you can use is endless. The leaves are on stems less than 10mm long. However, it is not the only type used. Quality solid oak and veneer furniture can be found in many styles for kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms and living rooms. Red oak leaves usually come to a point at the end of each lobe, while the lobes of white oak leaves tend to be rounded. The tree species listed in this section are red oaks that are common in the US. Holm or Holly Oak (quercus ilex) Their acorn cups are brown and hairless. However, it has proven to be exceptionally valuable to woodworkers, one of the reasons why it’s popularly used in cabinet and furniture making. Pin Oak. I really enjoyed writing this one; I just love oak trees. It comes in a number of hues which is why it can take on so many different amazing looks. Compared to red oak, white oak has longer grain rays and allows for fairly little water penetration. Elena from London, UK on August 08, 2012: Very interesting and unique Hub. Question: Is the northern red oak worth any money? These trees are known to be very stable in both city and woodland environments because they have the ability to withstand city pollutants way better than many other trees. It’s easy to get confused or feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to pick an oak sapling to plant in your garden from the hundreds of species available. Some popular finishes for oak furniture include color names such as golden oak, cinnamon, cognac and tobacco. You can get test kits cheap on the internet and even free from your Extension office. Additonal Oak tree photos, images, pics and facts on different types of oak trees can be found at the Oak Tree Pictures category page at Tree-Pictures.com. Quercus species are characterized by alternate, simple, deciduous or evergreen leaves with lobed, toothed, or entire margins. Related: Types of Lumber | Types of Hardwood Flooring | Types of Pine Wood | Types of Mahogany Wood | Types of Cherry Wood | Lumber Dimensions | Types of Walnut Wood | Types of Ash Wood | Types of Beech Wood | Types of Acacia Wood | Types of Poplar Wood | Types of Ebony Wood | Types of Cedar Wood | Types of Alder Wood | Types of Teak Wood | Types of Tiger Wood | Types of Hickory Wood | Types of Fir Wood | Types of Plywood | What is MDF Board. It commonly appears in a brownish-red color with slight shade variations. Defining features: A medium-sized oak with a straight trunk, long spreading branches, and thin, papery bristle-tipped leaves.. Other types of oak trees include overcup oak, sawtooth oak, scarlet oak, bur oak and pin oak among others. 10 Main Types of Oak Wood for Flooring and Furniture. White oaks tend to have rounder lobes on their leaves compared to red oaks, and their acorns take only one year to mature. This species' common name may derive from its historical use in the making of fence posts. It has high resisting power to resist any rough climate or soil condition. Oak, any of about 450 species of trees and shrubs constituting the genus Quercus in the beech family (Fagaceae), distributed throughout the north temperate zone and at high altitudes in the tropics. Oakis the most common name for trees listed in the genus Quercus. Willow oak, in particular, consists of fine grain and a slight appearance of pores. The stand-out feature of this tree is its willow-like leaves, as the name suggests. Such popularity majorly comes from the fact that oak has been a national symbol of survival, endurance and strength for centuries and the oak tree has also been chosen as the national tree by several countries like Germany, USA, France, Romania, Serbia, and many others.