Twelve-year acorn yield in Southern Appalachian Oaks

Abstract

A 12-year sample from Southern Appalachian oak stands showed acorns to be a valuable though inconsistent source of wildlife food. At least moderate amounts of acorns were produced in 9 of the years, with 4 years being exceptionally good. In 3 of the years, acorn production was very low. There were distinct differences in the production of acorns by the five species involved. Northern red and white oaks were superior to scarlet, black, and chestnut oaks in amount and consistency of production. "Bumper" crops were produced every 4 years by white oak and every 5 years by northern red oak.

Keywords

Quercus rubra, Q. alba, Q. coccinea, Q. velutina, Q. prinus

Citation

Beck, Donald E. 1977. Twelve-year acorn yield in Southern Appalachian Oaks. Res. Note SE-244. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 8 p.