Get to Know your Native Trees: The Oak

The genus Quercus (Latin for “oak tree”), is native to the Northern Hemisphere. Some Oak species can live for up to 2000 years when a single tree can produce about 10 million acorns. There are approximately 70 species that grow to tree size in North America, some reaching over 40 metres tall. They are cherished by cultures and countries the world over and were recently named the official tree of Toronto, Ontario. Oak barrels are prized for their flavor profile on some of the most coveted wines and whiskeys.