Tree
Oak
Quercus spp. · genus Quercus
Keystone oak group confirmed at Portal 33, with numerous individuals across woodland, edges, and homestead areas.
About
Description
Characteristic lobed oak foliage observed; individual species have not all been resolved. A large mature oak stands between/near the dwelling areas.
Safety Cautions
Acorns require proper tannin leaching before eating.
Edible with caution. Acorns require proper tannin processing before consumption.
Traditional use. Oak bark has historical tannin/medicinal uses.
Keystone tree group. Acorns provide mast for deer, squirrels, birds and other wildlife. Mature trees create cavities, shade, leaf litter and enormous arthropod habitat.
Mast, cavities, shade, leaf litter, arthropod habitat.
Extremely important. Portal 33's Amanitas, boletes and other mycorrhizal fungi are strongly associated with the oak/hardwood root network.
Acorns mature in fall
Mixed hardwood woodland, woodland edges and developed homestead areas
Mixed hardwood woodland, woodland edges and developed homestead areas; notable mature oak near dwellings
Acorns from appropriate species have a long Indigenous food history after proper tannin processing. Oak bark also has historical medicinal/tannin uses.
Map individual trees and identify each oak species using leaves + bark + mature acorns.
Where it lives
Ecological Zones
ZONE-05
Mixed Hardwood Woodland
Mixed hardwood woodland
ZONE-09
Forest Edge / Ecotone
Forest edge / ecotone
Living here
Individual Organisms
Large Oak Between Dwellings
IND-OAK-01
Mature keystone oak between/near the dwelling areas; anchor of the oak/hardwood mycorrhizal network.
Educational use only. Identification, edibility, and traditional medicinal knowledge is shared for learning. Always obtain positive identification before eating, harvesting, or medicinally using any plant or fungi. This Atlas is not medical advice.