Problem Plant: Sawtooth Oak

Sawtooth Oak (Quercus acutissima)        

This native of eastern Asia was introduced in 1862 as an ornamental and gained
favor during the past 50 years as a street tree and a source of food for small game
such as turkeys. Its rapid growth allows it to out-compete native oaks, and the
dispersal by animals of its numerous acorns has caused it to become a problem
invasive species in forests along the east coast.

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Tags: Escapes from street plantings to invade wild areas, displacing native plants, Seeds into woodland edges, meadow habitats, and open areas Produces acorns as early as five years after sprouting, Spreads from seeds produced in large numbers, Fast-growing, outcompeting native oaks, Tolerant of a wide range of moisture and temperature conditions, Acorns are less nutritious for wildlife than acorns of native oaks, American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata), Willow Oak (Quercus phellos), Medium-size shade tree with fruit (acorns)