I found them on top of a ridge if that makes a differencelooks like chestnut oak
I could've easily scooped up a hundred thousand of those jokers Saturday. I've never seen so many acorns in my life.Can someone tell me what these are.
Thanks BSK.Yup, Mountain Chestnut Oak. Only preferred by deer for a brief period. They fall first, followed by the true White Oak. During the brief period before the White's fall, the Mountain Chestnut will be eaten by deer.
Fascinating. I'll watch for that, as we have a very poor Red crop in my area this year.Our deer will go back to Mtn Chestnut acorns late in year once others are gone. Especially years with no reds.
Basically, Mountain Chestnut will grow in areas no other oak can withstand! In my area, rocky ridge-tops and dry south-facing slopes.Reason yall find them atop ridges is because that's where they grow. They thrive in shallow, dry, clay, rocky, acidic soil that other oaks struggle in. And yeah they sprout FAST. One of my favorite trees to mill into lumber because the wood has the grain aesthetics of white oak but colored more like walnut or old American chestnut. Beautiful stuff.
I've watched deer leave white oaks and go to chestnut oaks after a few big frosts. I always thought that the freezes changed the tannic acid and made them less bitter.Fascinating. I'll watch for that, as we have a very poor Red crop in my area this year.
Another interesting observation. Thanks Biggun4214. I'll watch for that.I've watched deer leave white oaks and go to chestnut oaks after a few big frosts. I always thought that the freezes changed the tannic acid and made them less bitter.