sawtooth oak
Family
FagaceaeScientific Name
Quercus acutissimaIdentifying Characteristics
Sawtooth oak is a large species, reaching a mature
height of 70 feet. The leaves are similar to those of
the chestnut but are smaller, 4-8 inches, and have
pointed teeth. The acorns are also small in size,
ranging from 5/8-3/4 inch long and are enclosed in
cups with long, spreading, recurving scales.
Approximately 2/3 of the nut is covered by the cup.
Trees produce about 150 acorns per pound
Where Found
Sawtooth oak is native to eastern Asia but was
introduced into the eastern United States around
1920. The range of adaptation extends from
Northern Florida west to eastern Texas andOklahoma, northward through Missouri to New York
and into southern New England. On exposed sites in
the northern Finger Lakes Region of New York, it
may winterkill. Sawtooth oak is winter hardy and
can be grown in soils from sandy loam to clay loam.
However, the best performance is achieved in deep,
well-drained soils. It can also be grown on reclaimed
surface mined land where favorable moisture
conditions are present and pH is above 5.0.
Life Cycle
perennial
Plant Type
Tree