Acorns

Have you ever wondered which oaks your acorns belong to? 

Pictured here are the fruits of 8 oak species that grow in eastern North America.  When you look at the size of an acorn, as well as the texture and depth of its cup, your ability to identify oaks greatly improves.

Oaks in eastern North America can be divided into a few groups, including the red oak group and white oak group.  Members of the red oak group produce acorns that mature in two growing seasons.  These acorns germinate the following spring after maturity.  If you crack open one of these acorns, you will see velvety hairs lining the inner surfaces.

Members of the white oak group produce acorns that mature in one growing season.  These acorns germinate in the fall.  If you crack open one of these acorns, you typically won’t see velvety hairs lining the inner surfaces.