Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured in photo #1?
The answer to last week’s mystery is the white oak, Quercus alba, pictured in photo #2.
The white oak, Quercus alba, a member of the beech family Fagaceae, produces acorns that begin their life story almost as soon as they touch the ground. Unlike many other tree seeds, white oak acorns do not need a long winter chill to wake up. They typically germinate immediately in autumn, sending out a taproot within weeks, often before winter fully settles in.
For successful germination, the acorns need consistent moisture and loose, well-drained soil. Under good conditions, sprouts may appear in as little as two to four weeks. Sound acorns have an impressive germination capacity, often ranging from 50 to 99 percent, giving white oak a strong foothold in forest regeneration.
White oak acorns mature in a single growing season and contain relatively low levels of tannins, making them less bitter than many other acorns. Because of this, they are one of the most sought-after foods for wildlife, especially white-tailed deer, which rely on them to build fat reserves for winter. Even acorns that have been partially damaged may still germinate if the embryo remains intact. In many cases, animals that cache or bury acorns inadvertently plant the next generation of trees, ensuring that future white oaks continue to rise from the forest floor.
Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum.