Differentiating Between Oaks

We often get into some deeper discussions in our blog beyond what you have before you today.  

However, I think today's discussion will assist those that are new to the outdoors to see some things you have not otherwise seen the next time you head out to your neck of the woods.  

Today we simply want to take a quick look at the differences between white oaks and red oaks.  

There are many species of trees out there and one of the most prominent for us here in Kentucky is the oak tree.  While there are many subspecies of the oak, we want to help you identify whether the oak you are looking at is of the white oak, or red oak variety.  

To help folks remember, I usually say that "Reds are not Round".  If you take a look at the leaves being held by my lovely children, you will notice that the leaf on the left, has rounded edges and ends, while the leaf on the right has more pointed ends.  You are looking at a white oak on the left, and a red oak on the right.  Please bear in mind that these two species can more definitively be defined and classified as well, but today lets not worry about that.  

To further help you determine, lets take a look at a few other aspects of these two species.

White Oaks

• White acorns taste better because of there are fewer tannins in them.  These tannins are what give red acorns there bitter tast.
• The cap of a white oak species most often covers about 1/4 of the acorn.
• The acorns tend to be long and narrow rather fat and round.
• They grow at the ends of the branches of the current years growth on the tree.

Red Oaks

• The cap of a red oak species are usually nearly flat on top.
• The acorns are short and fatter and almost round.
• They acorns grow in clusters on last year's growth of branches.

Why does any of this matter?  Well the easy answer is that most people that go on hikes enjoy seeing wildlife.  Most wildlife that eat acorns prefer to eat the acorns from a white oak rather than a red oak.  So if you are seeking wildlife for viewing or hunting, find yourself a cluster of white oaks and  take a look around.  Chances are you will see some tracks, scat, other disturbance or even the critter itself around you.