Leaf Identification
Heritage Oak leaves have shallow, rounded lobes towards the leaf tip and one deep sinus on each side of the leaf closer to the base. The leaf margins are smooth, and the major veins are outlined by a slightly darker leaf color. The leaf turns yellow-brown in the fall.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twig is greenish-brown and smooth, with tiny white lenticels (pores). The twig is not zig zag, and the leaves create triangular leaf scars when they fall off. The buds are reddish-brown and scaled. There are multiple terminal buds at the end of each twig.
Bark Identification
The bark is smooth and medium gray with pale lenticels (pores) along the trunk.
Fruit Identification
The fruits of the Heritage Oak are acorns, with the textured, waxy cup covering about 1/3 of the nut. The nut turns from green to brown as it matures.
Flower Identification
Oaks are monoecious with unisexual flowers, meaning that male and female flower parts exist separately, but on the same tree. The male flowers are hanging catkins (clusters of tiny pollen-bearing flowers), and the female flowers are inconspicuous and attached to the branch; these will develop into acorns. The flowers bloom in spring.
Heritage® Classification
The Heritage Oak is produced for its quick growth, disease resistance, and its ability to fruit. It has a more pyramidal shape than most native oaks.