Footsteps in the Forest

Quercus georgiana

Height: The Georgia oak tree reaches 60 feet in ideal growing conditions; but it is usually less than 10 feet tall

Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous

Lifespan: Unclear

Fall Foliage: Variable; unremarkable brown to bright red

Range: Only found in the northern reaches of Alabama and Georgia, as well as small parts of North Carolina

Typical Habitat: Naturally growing specimens are almost always found on rock outcrops or the immediate vicinity; it also grows in a variety of cultivated situations

Georgia oak tree leaf

The Georgia Oak Tree: Small and Specialized

The Georgia oak is a really neat little “tree.” First discovered at Stone Mountain, Georgia, the species was later found to occur on scattered granite outcrops along a band stretching from north Alabama to portions of North Carolina.

It does reach proper tree-like proportions when cultivated or found in excellent growing sites with deep soil. Nevertheless, the majority of individuals are small shrubs, rarely taller than 6 feet or so. They grow in dense little thickets in some places; others spring up alone from rock cracks.

Little is known about the species’ ecology, but it likely feeds squirrels and other acorn-eating species, as well as various moths and other insects.

Georgia Oak Tree Identification: Tips & Tricks

The leaves of Georgia oak are relatively distinctive from most other red oaks, though it’s difficult to articulate exactly how. They generally have five to seven lobes (occasionally three) and bear bristle tips. The combination of geography, habitat, size and growth habit will likely allow you to be reasonably sure.

However, like most of the other will-drive-you-insane oaks, Georgia oaks hybridize with its close relatives. Namely, water oaks (Quercus nigra), but it may hybridize with others too.

The Georgia Oak Tree: Additional Information

Unfortunately, information about the Georgia oak isn’t in especially abundant supply. But these are a few of the best places to learn a bit more about these cool little trees.

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