# Oak (*Quercus*) The oak tree is a strong and tall tree with broad leaves. It provides homes for many animals and shades us on sunny days. - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Black Oak, Red Oak ![Oak](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/FriedenseicheVon1815_AltTucheband_Juli2017.png&width=800) Photo: WikiVagant, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FriedenseicheVon1815_AltTucheband_Juli2017.png) ## Appearance The Oak has sturdy, often gnarled branches and deeply lobed leaves that turn brilliant colors in autumn. Its bark is typically rough and furrowed, giving it an ancient, wise appearance. It produces distinctive capsulated nuts called acorns. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Fagales - **Family:** Fagaceae - **Genus:** Quercus ## Interesting facts - Ancient people believed lightning was drawn to oaks, making them sacred trees. - It can take over 20 years for some oak trees to produce their very first acorn! - Oak trees 'talk' to each other by sharing resources through underground fungal networks. - The oldest known oak is over 1,500 years old, still standing tall today! ## Special abilities - **Deep Anchor:** Oak has deep taproots that help it stay firmly planted and find water during dry spells. - **Pest Protector:** Oak trees produce tannins, natural chemicals that help protect them from insect pests and diseases. - **Nutrient Exchange:** Oak forms special connections with fungi underground to share nutrients and water, helping both grow strong. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 15-35 m - **Spread:** 10-30 m - **Edible:** No - **Size:** 100-300 cm - **Lifespan:** 200-1000 years - **Fruit Type:** Acorn - **Growth Rate:** Medium - **Leaf Type:** Deciduous ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Eastern Gray Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-gray-squirrel) (*Sciurus carolinensis*) — Feeds on nutritious acorns. - **Shelter:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Builds nests in its strong branches. - **Eaten by:** [Red Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-deer) (*Cervus elaphus*) — Deer browse on tender leaves and acorns. - **Symbiotic with:** Summer Truffle (*Tuber aestivum*) — Fungi help roots absorb nutrients. ## Traits - [Mycorrhizal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mycorrhizal): This trait describes a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant, benefiting both organisms. - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Fruit Bearing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fruit-bearing): Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds. - [Nut Bearing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nut-bearing): Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source. - [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues. - [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Enjoy the shade of oak trees but be careful of falling acorns. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Oak? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Oak? 15-35 m ### How wide does Oak spread? 10-30 m ### Is Oak edible? No ### How big is Oak? 100-300 cm ### How long does Oak live? 200-1000 years ### Where is Oak usually found? Forests ### What kind of fruit does Oak produce? Acorn ## Where to spot - [Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/discovery-island-marine-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Los Alcornocales Natural Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/los-alcornocales-natural-park) — Andalucía, ES · Park - [Monfragüe National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/monfrague-national-park) — Mainland, ES · Park - [Juwangsan National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/juwangsan-national-park) — KR · Park - [Lafayette Square](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lafayette-square) — District of Columbia, US · Park - [Sasso Simone and Simoncello Interregional Nature Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sasso-simone-and-simoncello-interregional-nature-park) — IT · Park [View all places to see Oak](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/oak) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [Oak: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oak)