Oak

The Oak (Quercus) is a genus of trees and shrubs of the beech family (Fagaceae). Of the estimated 200 species found worldwide, 75-80 occur in North America and 10 in Canada. Canadian species grow very locally in Ontario and eastward, except Garry oak, found only in BC, and bur oak, which occurs as far west as Manitoba. Oaks are usually divided into 3 groups: red or black oaks (red, black and pin); white oaks (white, Garry and bur); and chestnut oaks (swamp white, chinquapin, dwarf cinquapin and chestnut). These beautiful trees have a fairly short trunk, a broad crown and alternate, simple, usually lobed leaves of variable shape and size. The acorns, produced in large quantities, are important to the diets of various wild animals.

Oaks are generally found in areas with moderate precipitation. They flourish on hillsides where the most suitable lighting and well-drained soil are found, except swamp white oak which prefers low, wet terrain. The hard, strong wood, highly valued for cabinetmaking and parquetry, is also used for casks for whisky. Known for its strength and longevity, the oak has been the national symbol of several peoples and is often referred to in literature. The generic name means "most excellent of trees."

Author ESTELLE LACOURSIERE

Links to Other Sites
The Plant List
Search this online database for information about one million plant species from around the world. Also, click on "major plant groups" at the bottom of the page to browse descriptions of species of interest. Fungi and algae are excluded. From the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in the UK and the Missouri Botanical Garden in the US.

East Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands Ecosystems
A BC Government website about conservation programs for “Sensitive Ecosystems” found in the east Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands region.

Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team
An informative website about the natural history of the Garry oak ecosystems in British Columbia. From the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team.

Flora of North America
The FNA website features information on the names, taxonomic relationships, continent-wide distributions, and morphological characteristics of all plants native and naturalized found in North America north of Mexico.