Saturday, November 22, 2008

FALLing just past Spectacular


This burgundy red Nuttall Oak leaf was more brilliant than this, but I did not capture its most spectacular moment. It was a lighter and brighter crimson red- just gorgeous. We have two types of Red Oaks at our place; the Nuttalls and the Shumards. Though the trees are very similar in rate of growth, leaf shape (though Nuttall lobes have a deeper cup), size, & spread, we prefer the Nuttalls for their color.

Here's more info for kicks-N-grins...

The Nuttall Oak tree's Mature Height is 60 - 100 feet, Mature Spread 50 - 70 feet, Soil Type Widely Adaptable, Moisture Widely Adaptable, Mature Form Round Crown, Irregular, Growth Rate Moderate, Sun Exposure Full Sun, Flower Color Yellowish, Green Insignificant, Fall Color Reddish Brown, Foliage Color Green, Zones 5-9.
The Nuttall Oak tree, Quercus nuttallii, was not distinguished as a species until 1927. It is also called red oak, Red River oak, and pin oak. It is one of the few commercially important species found on poorly drained clay flats and low bottoms of the Gulf Coastal Plain and north in the Mississippi and Red River Valleys.The acorn or winter buds identify Nuttall oak, easily confused with pin oak (Q. palustris). The lumber is often cut and sold as red oak. In addition to producing timber, Nuttall oak is an important species for wildlife management because of heavy annual mast production.
Nuttall Oak trees are a good choice for low poorly drained locations. During winter, squirrels find a ready supply of acorns, since many acorns remain on the tree into January. Acorns are favored by deer and also eaten by turkeys.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I love the deep red color of that Oak leaf!