Symbolism of the Mighty Oak
There are many good reasons why we see the Oak tree as one of the most loved trees in the world. Throughout history, the Oak has been represented in different mythologies and sometimes linked to powerful gods (in Greek mythology it was a symbol of Zeus, the God of Thunder.) It’s a symbol of strength, morale, resistance and knowledge, the oak is also considered a cosmic storehouse of wisdom embodied in its towering strength. Oak is often associated with honor, nobility, and wisdom as well thanks to its size and longetivity, It grows slowly and at its own rate. “The oak is a living legend representing all that is true, wholesome, stable, and noble.” The Oaks are also known to easily surpass 300 to 400 years of age making it a very powerful symbol.
The Importance of Oak Trees
Oak trees support a complex ecosystem with many species, including humans. The oak is one of the most loved trees by the humans, and it can be easily found in many artistic creations.
The Oak trees are actually important for a number of reasons. The oak tree is among the Quercus genus tree species and there are about 800 species all over the world, especially in the Northern hemisphere where they are native. This tree can live more than 1000 years. The oak tree can be used in many ways: the boiled bark has therapeutic properties.The shape of the blade is very characteristic, and is found in badges, coins and medals and Its fruit (acorn) is used to feed livestock and in times of shortage has also been used for human consumption. A meadow of oaks is a refuge for many animal species.
Planting Instructions
For our Oak species, which are part of the Red Oak family, we recommend a small stratification period to get them ready for planting.
- Place the seeds inside of a plastic bag in the fridge with a small amount of compost, and make sure they are moist. Place them in the fridge for 2-4 weeks. Likewise, instead of planting in the fridge, you can plant them directly outdoors in a cool location, where temperatures are around 40 F.
- Once germination begins, the Oak seeds should be planted between 1-3 inches below the surface of the soil. Avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to dry out.
- Watch for germination when daytime temperatures top 65 F for one to two months.
- Water the seeds with a bit of water weekly during the first summer.Initial growth is rapid and within a few weeks from germination the seedlings will be between 10 and 15cm high. To encourage maximum growth ensure that the trees are never stressed because of a lack of water and that they are well nourished and grown in a warm, sunny position.
Trees should be planted in their permanent position as soon as is practical. If they are large enough, at the end of their first growing season and certainly at the end of the second. These should be planted in a large area, outdoors. Oak trees are not suitable for indoor growth for a long period of time. Allowing them to be grown in too shallow a container for any length of time will cause permanent root issues.
Types Of Oak Tree
For a tree or shrub of such age and features there abound to be many types of it, these types are referred to as species of the oak tree. There are approximately 600 different types or species of the oak tree still surviving , while other types and species are probably extinct and no longer alive. Of course we won’t be listing all of the types and species of the oak tree on this article as it won’t contain them all, we’ll list the most popular types of the oak tree which you’re more likely to see if you’re to go oak tree hunting.
Below are the types of oak tree you should know:
- Black Oak
- White Oak
- Bur Oak
- Willow Oak
- Japanese evergreen Oak
- Water Oak
- Pin Oak
See surprising facts about the universe you must know.
Some Facts About Oak Trees You Would Not Believe
#1. Oak trees live up to 1,000 years.
Until that age, oak trees continue to grow and produces acorns to multiply their offspring and are considered old when the trees reach at the age of 700 years.When the trees surpass the 1,000 year mark, their growth slows downs and some parts start to die.
#2. There are over 600 species of oak trees.
Most population of the oak trees can be met in North America, especially in Mexico where about 160 species grow and 109 of those are endemic, United States also has over 90 species.
#3. Oak trees appeared on our planet about 65 million years ago.
Oak trees have not gone extinct during such a long stretch of time. This is mainly because their seeds are cased in the hard shells.
#4. A mature oak tree can reach around 148 feet (45 meters).
Compared to coast redwoods which usually grow to the height of 379 feet (116 meters), oak trees stay in the category of middle height trees.
#5. An oak tree produces about 10 million acorns during its lifetime.
Each acorn contains only one seed enclosed in a tough shell and apart from being a seed, they are also the main food source for many birds.
#6. The largest living oak tree is located in Mandeville, Louisiana.
The owner of the tree was Carole Hendra Doby, named the live oak “Seven Sisters Oak” because she was one of the seven sisters.Apart from being the largest, it also one of the oldest known living oak trees with an estimated age of 1,500 years.
#7. Wine is aged in oak barrels.
It is still practiced in our days, the aging of wine in the oak barrels was the historic practice of famous winemakers. Before wine is bottled they are kept in the barrels for a long time.
#8. Only 1 in 10,000 acorns grow up to be an oak tree.
Oak trees start to produce acorns when they reach 50 years of age. In their maturity, they can produce over 10,000 acorns, most of which are digested by animals and fertilized into the ground.
#9. Some cultures worshiped oak trees.
For centuries, mainly in parts of Europe, people worshiped oak trees, associating them with the mythological gods, namely Zeus and Jupiter.
#10. Oak tree population is decreasing.
Farmers in Mexico and Central America are clearing out the oak trees in order to open up a grazing land for their cattle or for their coffee plantations.
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FAQ
- What is special about an oak tree?
The Oak tree is special because it is considered mighty due to it’s strength. It symbolizes strength, morale, resistance and knowledge
- How do I identify an Oak tree?
You identify an oak tree by it’s scaly bark, lobbed leaves(oak trees have lobbed leaves) and its acorns, if any tree produces acorns then it’s an oak tree.
- How big do Oak trees get?
An Oak tree can grow as high as 148 feet and more than 9 feet wide.
- Where do oak trees grow best?
In temperate and tropical climates, those are the regions where oak trees grow best.
- What does Oak tree mean in the Bible?
Oak tree generally symbolizes strength.
- Why are Oka trees sacred?
Oak trees are sacred because of what they symbolize(strength).
- What is the most common oak tree?
The white oak tree is the most common oak tree.
- What does a live oak tree look like?
A live oak tree is evergreen, it has scaly barks and has green oblong leaves.