The Trees of Vermont 111 



THE OAKS 



The oaks, abundant throughout the northern hemisphere, are re- 

 markable for their massive trunks, their thick, rugged bark and 

 large, strong roots. They are distinguished from all other trees by 

 their cupped fruit, but many who have seen these fruits have not 

 noticed the small, scaly masses of flowers which produce them. The 

 pollen-bearing flowers are found on the same tree, but are arranged in 

 long, slender catkins consisting of a cluster of from three to twelve 

 stamens. Some of the oaks, including the red and black, do not mature 

 their fruit until the second year. 



Oak timber is of great commercial value, being used for a variety 

 of purposes. For strength, toughness and durability combined, it is 

 unsurpassed. 



The oak genus is a large one. Nine species and two hybrids are 

 included in the last flora of Vermont. They are extremely difficult to 

 tell apart and the late Doctor Pringle remarked that after 25 years of 

 study he did not know the oaks of Vermont. This genus varies greatly 

 and some valuable work could be done in studying its variations. 



Only the tree oaks are given in the following keys. 



