*Quercus acutissima

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Acorn.

*Quercus acutissima
SAWTOOTH OAK
Fagaceae
Asia

Location: map coordinates W-21 (near southwest corner of Warren-Franklin Hall), N 39°11'4'' W 75°32'37''

Planting history: presently unknown.

Description:
  • medium-sized deciduous tree
  • etymology: Quercus = the Latin name; acutissima = very sharply pointed (the leaf teeth)
  • leaves with small, regular, teeth (hence common name “sawtooth”)
  • monoecious (separate male and female flowers on same tree); flowers tiny; male flowers in drooping catkins, female flowers inconspicuous
  • fruit is an acorn (develops from ovary of female flower); cup with distinctive soft bristles
  • in the “red/black oak group”: leaf teeth with bristle-tips; acorn matures in 2 years, relatively bitter and inedible unless processed
  • end buds clustered (typical of oaks)
  • fast-growing
  • wood prone to splitting/cracking; normally relegated to use for fencing
  • in Delaware, cultivated and escaping to fields

*Non-native species (not native to Delaware). Listed as Invasive in Delaware

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Catkins of small male flowers

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