Common Name: White Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus alba
Other Names:
Leaf: Simple, alternate; 5-9 rounded, toothless lobes, variable in shape and depth of notches; base tapered; when unfurling, dusty rose and velvety; turn russet brown or burgundy in autumn.
Flower: Tiny; male and female flowers on same tree; male flowers many, in hanging cylindrical clusters called catkins; female flowers usually 2-4.
Fruit: Acorns 1.2-2 cm long, single or paired, with leathery shells; tips rounded with a small abrupt point.
Twig: Smooth, somewhat thick; reddish green, later becoming gray; terminal bud round, reddish brown, clustered with side buds; side buds slightly angled away from twig.
Bark: On younger trees, smooth or slightly scaly; ash gray; on older trees, light gray, with shallow or deep fissures, and irregular thin scales.
Wood: Very heavy, hard, strong, stiff, straight-grained; durable; flexible; heartwood pale brown, rot-resistant; thin sapwood nearly white; annual growth rings distinct.
Facts About This Tree:
1. Oak wood is famous for its use in watertight barrels, which give aged whisky and wine a special colour and flavour.
2. Dark-roasted, ground acorn kernals are said to make an excellent, caffeine-free coffee substitute.
3. Acorn flour adds an interesting flavour to breads, muffins and cakes.
Lat, Long: 43.73818, -79.79125
Diameter (DBH): 11.8 cm
Last Year Modified: 2015
Carbon Stored in this Tree: 18.768 kg of C
Equivalent CO2: 68.81 kg of C
Find more trees in Heart Lake Conservation Area.
Reference
1. Blouin, Glen. 2001. An Eclectic Guide to Trees East of the Rockies. Erin, ON. Boston Mills Press
2. Linda Kershaw. 2001. Trees of Ontario. Edmonton, AB Canada. Lone Pine Publishing
3. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Copyright 2015 Association for Canadian Educational Resources
Walk over to the slope of the bowl and view the “bee condos,” bird structures and meadow plots. These meadow plots contain multiple species of native wildflowers that bloom at different times through the season. This provides food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife.