Fun Facts

Oak Trees

Oak trees have been on this planet for 65 million years. The oak tree is either a tree or a bush with 800 species in the Northern Hemisphere. An oak tree is considered fully grown at 30-40 years with the possibility of 200 years and some un to 1,000 years old. 70 feet is normal with a thirst of 50 gallons of water a day. An oak tree’s usual 200,000 leaves weigh 550 pounds with every 25 feet having 30,000 leaves (Fact Retriever).

Oak trees are important for both humans and animals; its bark is used for quinine, and its acorns are a food source for many woodland animals but toxic to some, including horses, dogs, and humans. An oak tree will produce 10 million acorns (2,000 per year) in its lifetime; only 1 in 10,000 will grow into a tree.

Oak wood has a high density, making it very hard and resistant to insects and fungal attack. The vikings used oak planking on their ships in the 10th century. The Portugal cork oak tree produces 55% of all the world’s natural cork. Today’s usage is mostly furniture and flooring, and tool handles made from oak can last for generations. Oak bark is rich in tannin which is used in tanning leather. Oak barrels are used for aging wines and whiskeys. Oak wood chips are used for smoking fish, meats, and cheeses. The oak tree is a common symbol of strength and endurance and is the national tree of the USA. The US utilizes the gold or silver oak leaf to show rank, and oak clusters appear on many medals (Wikipedia).