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are there oak trees in pennsylvania

by Beulah Nader Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)
Northern red oak, commonly called "red oak" and "gray oak," is an abundant Pennsylvania species and the second most economically valuable. This species has leathery, simple leaves that are alternate in arrangement. The leaves are 4 to 8 inches long and about 3 to 6 inches wide.
Oct 8, 2009

Do oak trees like lime soil?

The live oak tree is undemanding. You can start a live oak tree growing in partial shade or sun. And don’t fret about soil. Although live oaks prefer acidic loam, the trees accept most types of soil, including sand and clay. They grow in alkaline or acidic soil, wet or well-drained. You can even grow live oak by the ocean, as they are tolerant of aerosol salt.

Is oak tree an evergreen tree?

When people think of the oak tree, they think of a sturdy evergreen tree that cuts a fine and powerful figure and is also easy on the eye. Be that as it may, not all oak trees are evergreen. In fact, the term oak describes hundreds of species of trees that fall under the genus Quercus and vary wildly both in appearance and characteristics.

What types of trees are in Pennsylvania?

Understory trees include:

  • Flowering dogwood
  • Pawpaw
  • Umbrella-tree
  • Redbud
  • Witch-hazel

Are live oak trees evergreen?

The Live Oak tree is an evergreen, broad-spreading, long-lived slow grower. It features dark, leathery foliage, and acorns which can grow up to 1/4" or an inch.

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Will live oak grow in Pennsylvania?

The distribution maps for Quercus virginiana and Quercus fusiformis do indicate that Pennsylvania is not a native habitat for live oaks.

What is the most common tree in PA?

Northern hardwoods cover about 32 percent of Pennsylvania, mostly in the high elevations of the north. Common trees include sugar maple, black cherry, aspen, birch, hemlock, and ash.

What states have oak trees?

Oak (Quercus) is the largest tree genus in number of species in the United States, and oak species are native to every state except Idaho, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Where is oak most commonly found?

North AmericaNorth America has the largest number of oak species, with approximately 160 species in Mexico of which 109 are endemic and about 90 in the United States. The second greatest area of oak diversity is China, with approximately 100 species.

What are the top 3 most common trees in PA?

Several other trees could also appear on this list; however, the ones in this publication are also very abundant throughout the state. The top 10 trees are red maple, black cherry, northern red oak, white oak, yellow poplar, sugar maple, chestnut oak, white ash, American beech, and hickory.

What tree is native to PA?

Eastern Redbud (Ht. 20' Wd. 20-30') is a large deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to eastern North America, including Pennsylvania.

What state in the US has the most oak trees?

Texas is the only state that can claim more than half of the oak species in the US (because it has oaks from both the wetter Southeast and from the drier Southwest)...at least 31.

Do oak trees grow in all 50 states?

Their natural range extends from Minnesota to Maine in the north and from Georgia to Texas in the south, although they can be found in an even wider area. The wood of the white oak holds liquids well and so is often used in barrel making. (Grows in hardiness zones 3 - 9.)

Is a live oak really an oak?

live oak, any of several species of North American ornamental and timber trees belonging to the red oak group of the genus Quercus in the beech family (Fagaceae).

Do oaks grow everywhere?

Oak Trees Will Live Almost Anywhere Very few environments can deter an oak tree … at least, if you live in the contiguous United States. They'll happily take root anywhere across the continent except for Alaska, and even grow in Hawaii. Whatever your USDA plant hardiness zone, there's an oak for you, so check it out.

What makes a tree an oak?

Their sizes vary from two to five inches wide. The oak leaf's upper segment is a dark greenish color and has a shiny texture, while the bottom part of the leaf has a dull grayish tone that feels leathery to the touch. In the Fall season, oak leaves assume awe-inspiring shades of orange, red, and yellow.

Do acorns only come from oak trees?

They can be found almost anywhere in North America. If you've found an acorn, or maybe a whole bunch of them, you may be wondering which tree it came from and what you can do with it? Acorns are only produced by oak trees. Each acorn contains one seed that may or may not grow into its own oak tree.

What are the trees in Pennsylvania?

Most of Pennsylvania’s forest lands fall into two types: Mixed oak forests cover about 54 percent of the commonwealth -- mostly in the south -- and include trees such as northern red oak, chestnut oak, shagbark hickory, red maple, and tulip poplar.

What are the most common hardwoods in Pennsylvania?

Common trees include sugar maple, black cherry, aspen, birch, hemlock, and ash.

How many species of trees are there in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has over 100 native tree species, but there are seldom more than 10 to 15 different species in any one location. This publication presents information about 10 important Pennsylvania hardwood tree species--their identification, characteristics, and wood.

What is the most common maple tree in Pennsylvania?

Red maple, also called "soft maple" or "swamp maple," is the most common tree species in Pennsylvania in terms of both the actual number of trees and the volume of wood available. This species grows over a wide range of conditions. It has simple, opposite leaves, with three and sometimes five pointed lobes.

What are the leaves on a hardwood tree in Pennsylvania?

Every hardwood tree species in Pennsylvania has either simple or compound leaves. Simple leaves are by far the most common. A simple leaf has two main parts. The first part is the blade. The blade is the broad, flat, and green tissue typically called "the leaf." The second part is the leaf stalk, which connects the blade to the tree's branch. At the base of a simple leaf stalk, on the tree's branch, is a bud. This bud will grow into a new branch with leaves or flowers the following year. When a simple leaf falls from the tree in autumn, the blade and stalk drop to the ground together, while the bud stays behind on the branch.

What is red oak?

Northern red oak, commonly called "red oak" and "gray oak," is an abundant Pennsylvania species and the second most economically valuable. This species has leathery, simple leaves that are alternate in arrangement. The leaves are 4 to 8 inches long and about 3 to 6 inches wide. They have many (7 to 11) pointed lobes tipped with small, hairlike bristles. The autumn leaves are dark red to brown. Mature trees have dark-colored bark with light-colored vertical furrows with dark, flat-topped ridges. The fruit, a barrel-shaped acorn, is valuable for wildlife. Northern red oak wood has a red-brown color, coarse texture, and straight grain. Its wood and veneer uses include high-quality furniture, cabinets, paneling, moldings, construction, coffins, and floors.

What species have alternate leaves?

A species will have only one leaf arrangement. The vast majority of Pennsylvania hardwoods have alternate leaves.

What are the most important hardwoods in Pennsylvania?

This fold out details the ten most important hardwood species in Pennsylvania including oaks, maples, black cherry , and others. People often want to learn how to identify trees. There are many practical reasons for "knowing" trees, and mastering this skill builds appreciation for natural diversity.

How big are white oak leaves?

Its leaves are simple, alternate, 4 to 9 inches in length, and 2 to 4 inches in width. They have five to nine rounded lobes without bristles. The bark is light, silvery gray and often forms into loose, narrow flaps. White oak also produces acorns important for wildlife food.

Read THIS Before Planting Trees in Pennsylvania

Knowing what hardiness zone Pennsylvania is in is critical to understanding the best trees that can be grown.

Additional Resources

It should be noted that it is not recommended to grow oak trees if you are worried about their strong underground roots destroying the foundation of your house. It should also be noted that you should not plant your oak tree near your house due to large branches easily falling.

Additional Resources

There are very few reasons not to grow maple trees. They are perfect in rural areas, the suburbs, and even in certain cities. The only reason you would not want to grow a maple tree is if you have a small yard that is already crowded with trees.

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The Japanese Lilac Tree is not only one of the easiest and best trees to plant in Pennsylvania, but it is also one of the least expensive and most easily found trees throughout the entire state.

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If you are interested in learning about some of the trees that crabapples can pollinate check out my articles about apple trees and pear trees!

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The biggest tip when purchasing and growing a fir tree is deciding what type you want. Some fir trees only grow 2 or 3 feet tall and others can grow 40 to 50 tall. Some of slim and others are very wide. Carefully pick a fir tree that meets your needs.

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There are many benefits to having hickory trees in your yard, but it should be noted that they are very tough to come by. In addition, they require moister soil to fully grow although they have been known to adapt in dry soil too.

Girth

In this table of girth records in Pennsylvania only girth measurements made at a height between 1.30 m and 1.50 m are listed. Trees with multiple trunks are excluded.

Height

In this table of height records in Pennsylvania only height measurements made by laser (like eg. the Nikon 550 Forestry) or tape drop are listed.

How tall is a paperbark maple tree in Pennsylvania?

Most Pennsylvania homeowners use this tree as a shade tree for a larger yard because it does reach about 60 feet tall. As expected, this tree is very drought tolerant. According to the Morton Arboretum, it is “One of the easiest oaks to transplant and more tolerant of poor drainage than other oaks.”. 4. Paperbark Maple.

How tall is a red oak tree?

It is known to be an extremely strong and hardy tree, able to withstand wildlife, disease, weather, and human interaction. A Red Oak can reach up to 75 feet wide and tall, so it is definitely a tree for a larger yard. Note that this one does grow much faster than other types of oak trees, so you should consider that.

What is the best tree to take care of?

Swamp White Oak. If you want a tree that is easy to take care of but still extremely beautiful and striking, the Swamp White Oak is a fantastic option. The light gray bark makes it different from the rest of the trees you see in a yard, especially when it is younger.

Why is acorn tree the preferred tree for animals?

According to Oplin, it is also the preferred tree for many different animals because it has large acorns. At the end of the day, whatever tree you plant will need proper care, maintenance, and treatment in order for it to thrive.

What color is the bark of a sage tree?

The interesting part about this tree is the bark, which is a copper orange color at some points and a reddish brown at others. It peels off in pieces, creating a beautiful mosaic on the trunk of the tree. While it is native to China, it has found a true home in PA.

Is sugar maple good for Pennsylvania?

Does best in full sun. If you are looking to make a commitment with your tree, the Sugar Maple is a fantastic option for Pennsylvania. It is the state tree of three nearby states because of how well it grows.

Do trees grow well in colder climates?

This means you also have to be careful about what kinds of trees that you plant. While one tree might do really well in our warm, humid summers, it might not do as well in our colder, harsh winters – or the opposite. Of course, this also means that there are some trees that do extremely well in our climate. If you are looking for the best trees ...

What is bear oak?

Bear oak ( Quercus ilicifolia) is a short, scrubby oak, reaching up to about 20 feet. Oak leaves are food for more than 550 different species of caterpillars. Oak acorns are enjoyed by lots of wildlife like deer, turkey, bear, and blue jays. Be sure to research each species to make sure it will grow where you live.

What is the plant that is vulnerable in Pennsylvania?

Lupine. Lupine. Program Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Plant Conservation Network Kristi Allen likes Lupine ( Lupinus perrenis ). This plant, which is popular as a landscape cultivar, is considered vulnerable in Pennsylvania, with limited range and small populations.

What is the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society?

The Pennsylvania Native Plant Society advocates conservation of native plants and their habitats; and promotes the increased use of native plants in the landscape. It also has an online list of native plant suppliers. Opens In A New Window. . There are several native plant sales that occur in state parks in the spring.

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1.List of Oak Trees in Pennsylvania | eHow

Url:https://www.ehow.com/list_7545824_list-oak-trees-pennsylvania.html

11 hours ago Mixed oak forests cover about 54 percent of the commonwealth -- mostly in the south -- and include trees such as northern red oak, chestnut oak, shagbark hickory, red maple, and tulip poplar. Northern hardwoods cover about 32 percent …

2.Forests and Trees - Pennsylvania Department of …

Url:https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/ForestsAndTrees/Pages/default.aspx

30 hours ago Our Forests. Mixed oak forests cover about 54 percent of the commonwealth -- mostly in the south -- and include trees such as northern red oak, chestnut oak, shagbark hickory, red maple, and tulip poplar. Northern hardwoods cover about 32 percent of Pennsylvania, mostly in the high elevations of the north.

3.Trees of Pennsylvania · iNaturalist

Url:https://www.inaturalist.org/guides/7451

3 hours ago Trees of Pennsylvania; Offline access enabled Print Trees of Pennsylvania All 40; Taxonomy; 30 Flowering Plants Subphylum Angiospermae; 10 Conifers Class Pinopsida; Search. Sort Guide order; Alphabetical by display name; Alphabetical by scientific name; Grid Card. northern red oak 1. Quercus rubra. white oak 2. Quercus alba. American sycamore 3 ...

4.From the Woods: Ten Important Hardwoods - Penn State …

Url:https://extension.psu.edu/from-the-woods-ten-important-hardwoods

32 hours ago  · The oak tree is one of the lowest maintenance trees that you can grow anywhere in Pennsylvania. It can be grown in almost any type of soil, can tolerate pollution, and thrives in both extreme heat and cold. Beautiful Fall Leaves: If you want to add color in both the summer and the fall then grow oak trees.

5.10 BEST Trees to Plant in Pennsylvania (2022) - The …

Url:https://thegardeningdad.com/best-trees-to-plant-in-pennsylvania/

27 hours ago Pennsylvania Big Trees program: 2014: 4: Quercus muehlenbergii (Chinkapin Oak) 6.73 m: The Sacred Oak, The side of Friedensburg Road, at Heffner Lane, Oley, Berks County: Pennsylvania Big Trees program: 2019: 5: Quercus alba: 6.71 m: The London Grove Oak, London Grove Friends Meeting house, London Grove, Chester County: Scott Wade: 2018: 6

6.The thickest, tallest, and oldest trees in Pennsylvania

Url:https://www.monumentaltrees.com/en/records/usa/pennsylvania/

17 hours ago  · The Pin Oak tree is another popular one for PA homeowners to plant because it doesn’t interfere with most concrete or hardscaping work. Even better, it grows extremely quickly, making it the tree of choice for those who want to plant a tree and actually enjoy it. It is also resistant of urban stressors.

7.5 Best Trees to Plant in Pennsylvania - Cutting Edge Tree …

Url:https://cuttingedgetreeprofessionals.com/2017/05/17/5-best-trees-plant-pennsylvania/

1 hours ago The rest of this program uses the Summer Key for Pennsylvania Trees. Note: There are three errors in any key dated earlier than 2002; look for date at the bottom right of the last page of the key. ... Northern Red Oak Key Guide: 1b – 12b – 18a – 19b – 22a – 23b – 24b - 25b – 26a – 27b. Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra

8.Identifying Pennsylvania Trees - Pennsylvania Envirothon

Url:https://www.envirothonpa.org/pdfs/1-3_PSU%20TreeID%20Program.pdf

31 hours ago

9.Gardening with Native Plants This Spring - Good Natured

Url:https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/GoodNatured/pages/Article.aspx?post=127

9 hours ago

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