2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013

Questions and Answers: 2025

Question: I'd like to plant a native eastern white oak in northern NJ. Trouble finding one and often can't distinguish from …

• Question

  I'd like to plant a native eastern white oak in northern NJ. Trouble finding one and often can't distinguish from various introduced white oaks and crosses. May have had good set 2 years ago and last fall, but the squirrels dug them out / nipped them. Prior year, collection came up English oak. Is there a good source, or reference to good sources? White oak acorns would need to be shipped quickly when in season, since they sprout so soon after falling.

  Answer

  Dear MentalNomad, distinguishing oaks in the mid-Atlantic states can be difficult due to the number of species that are present. It is clear from your question that you need to get out of the urban/suburban areas to avoid issues with Quercus robur (English oak). It should be possible for you to find large, native stands of Quercus alba (eastern white oak) for planting. But, you will need to make your collections in the fall (as you are aware) because members of the white oak section do sprout in Autumn not long after they fall from the tree. You will need to plant them at that time. This is one reason that black oak section is easier because the length of time for collection of that group of species is all fall and winter. I hope you are successful in locating a source. The online Go Botany dichotomous key will provide you with distinctions for these species and images to help you sort them out. I suggest that you examine this Native Plant Trust resource (https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/).