Q&A for How to Identify Oaks by the Acorns

Oak trees are mostly native to the northern hemisphere, and North America is home to the largest number of oak tree species. Oak trees are also native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Identifying trees can be trickier in the winter, but many types of oaks, such as the white oak, hold onto their leaves in the colder months—even if the leaves turn brown and die. If the oak loses its leaves, you can look for other clues, like the appearance of the bark or the shape of the buds at the ends of branches. You might also be able to find acorns still scattered around the base of the tree or clinging to some of the branches.

The tannins in acorns make them bitter and toxic. Some species are much milder than others, but almost all of them require "leaching" before they're edible. The easiest method is to boil the shelled acorns in water, replacing the water several times until the acorns taste right.

As with most oaks, acorn production can be unpredictable year to year. Black oaks typically produce every other year, but once in a while you'll get a "mast year" that results in a truly enormous crop.

Some oak species produce acorns every year while other species produce acorns every two years. The acorns from "2-year" species are said to be even more bitter.

It should be fine as long as you don't break the root — and it probably hasn't germinated yet anyway. Many species require a cold, moist dormant period to mimic winter before the acorn will sprout. Read this planting guide for more information.

No - acorns are from oak trees and hickory nuts are from hickory trees. Hickory nuts do not look like acorns.

Yes, though some species can take decades before they grow their first harvest.

Oak trees can be enormous canopies or tiny shrubs, and come in many different shapes. Almost all of them have lobed leaves, with several rounded or spiky "fingers" on each leaf.

Oak wood is a common choice for grilling. Acorns, on the other hand, contain poisonous substances. Be on the safe side and avoid burning them around food unless a botanist gives you the go ahead.

They are likely weevils. They occupy the acorn as eggs once the acorn begins to develop from the oak flower. They will probably not germinate. Let the local wildlife eat them.

That sounds like the Texas variety of the bur oak. Bur oaks have the largest seed on the continent.

White oaks have rounded edges to their leaves; red and black oaks have pointed-edged leaves.