The Oaks 81 



found in North America of which forty-seven reach tree size. Twelve species 

 have been found in Canada, most of them confined to the southwestern peninsula 

 of Ontario. One species is found in British Columbia. All the native species 

 reach tree size except the dwarf chinquapin oak {Quercus prinoides). 



The oaks are of very great importance commercially because of the high 

 technical qualities of their wood. The better grades bring a higher price than any 

 other hardwood in Canada, with the exception of walnut and cherry. In Canada 

 the supply is nearly exhausted. 



The native species are divided into two groups : 



1. White oaks 



Fruit matures in one year 



Inner surface of the acorn shell usually smooth 



Leaves with lobes rounded. 



2. Black oaks 



Fruit matures in two years 



Inner surface of the acorn shell covered with silky down 



Leaves with lobes pointed and bristle-tipped. 



The white oak group includes the following: 



UTiite oak Quercus alba 



Garry oak Quercus Garryana 



Post oak Quercus stellata 



"^^wamp white oak Quercus hicolor 



Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa 



Chinquapin oak Quercus Muehlenhergii 



Chestnut oak Quercus prinus 



Dwarf chinquapin oak Quercus prinoides 



The black oak group includes the following: 

 Black oak Quercus velutina 



Red oak Quercus rubra 



Pin oak Quercus palustris 



Scarlet oak Quercus coccinea 



There is a great difference in the quality of the wood of the different species. 

 As a whole the wood of the white oaks is superior to that of the black oaks. 



In both the white and black groups there are species which retain their green 

 leaves throughout the winter and are known as evergreen oaks. None of these is 

 native to Canada. They are chiefly confined to the southern Pacific coast. 



QUERCUS ALBA, Linn. WHITE OAK 



Common names: White oak, stave oak. 

 French name: Chene blanc. 



The white oak is found on well-drained soils in southern Quebec and southern 

 Ontario. It has a trunk diameter of 2 to 4 ft. and a height of 50 to 100 ft. It is 



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