Oaks

Quercus species

Beech family (Fagaceae)

Description: Large, spreading, deciduous trees with alternate, pinnately lobed leaves. Flowers small and greenish, the males in slender catkins; the females in small clusters. Fruit consists of a single seed (the familiar acorn) seated in a scaly cup. The acorns may ripen in the first year (and will be found near the tips of the twigs) or the second year (occurring further down the twigs).

Comments: The oaks include both evergreen and deciduous species. Some of the deciduous species, especially those from North America, produce rich autumn colours.