Oak Quercus

Oaks come in sizes from shrubs to large trees and can be evergreen or deciduous. There are at least 450 species within the genus which is in the beech family. Many are native to North America but many species are found in Europe and Asia. They can be ornamental or lumber trees and many provide wildlife value. The genus name, Quercus, is from the Classical Greek name for oak trees.

The alternate, simple leaves vary greatly in shape depending on the species and margins can be lobed, toothed or smooth. Some trees display colorful leaves in the fall and many hold onto their leaves into winter. The separate male and female flowers are borne in catkins and clusters in spring and the fruit is a nut called an acorn that usually has a cap. 

Oaks can be found in wet to dry sites, in mountains and the coastal areas, in fact just about anywhere you live there is an oak suitable for you. Planting native oaks is one of the best things you can do for the preservation of wildlife. They attract a lot of caterpillars which is just what baby birds need. They provide food for butterflies and moths, mammals and waterfowl. In addition to all this, they provide nesting and cover sites.  It is a host plant for the larvae of the Imperial moth (Eacles imperialis), as well as numerous butterflies, including Banded hairstreak (Satyrium calanus), Edward's hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii), Gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus), White-m hairstreak (Parrhasius malbum), Horace's duskywing (Erynnis horatius), and Juvenalis duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis)

Use our Find a Plant search engine to find the right oak for you.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and insects.