Importance of Oaks

Quercus is the classical Latin name of the oaks. It is thought to be of Celtic derivation meaning fine and tree (Little 1979). More than 250 oak species can be found in the western hemisphere and the largest number of these are found in Mexico and Central America.  Oak is the largest tree genus in the United States with 90 species and is the most important hardwood genus{Rogers 2004}. The oaks are the major component of eastern deciduous forests and dominate stands in central and southern upland forests. Much of that area is encompassed by the oak-hickory type, which itself accounts for about 114 million acres of oak forest (Sander and others 1983).

Pacific Mediterranean - Marine Region

Included are over 75 tree species, more than 230 species of birds and mammals, and numerous other plants and animals. Oaks also are often a significant component of several associated ecoregions including the northern hardwood, mixed mesophytic, lowland hardwood, and southern pine forests (Braun 1972) (Johnson, 1993a). In addition, they are a significant component of mixed bottomland hardwoods throughout the eastern and southern United States, and occur on valley and slope sites in the semi-arid regions of the western United States. They are not found in the Great Plains region. (D. Smith, 1993)

The oaks are of major economic importance for wood products as well as for numerous wildlife, recreation, and aesthetic uses and values in both rural and urban forests. The wood of oak species has long been known for its strength, durability, and beauty. It is widely used in products ranging from fine furniture to rough construction material, railroad cross-ties, various types of cooperage, and mine props. Acorns are a primary source of hard mast and a mainstay in the diets of many animal and bird species. The majestic oaks are known for beauty and are highly sought after for lawn and shade trees. (D. Smith, 1993)