First Generation Cherrybark Oak Orchard

Cherrybark oak or Quercus falcata var. pagodaefollia is a medium to large tree that grows to 80 feet tall and 2-3 feet in diameter. The tree is a derivative of southern red oak and typically does best in rich, fertile bottomlands. It is possibly the most desirable tree growing in a southern hardwood forest. There is an increasing effort to provide quality seedlings for planting.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) has developed a new first generation seed orchard for collecting the valuable Cherrybark oak acorn. Says state nursery manager Philip Wilson, "We installed the seed collection netting on our first generation Cherrybark oak orchard and are anticipating our first improved CBO seedlings next year."

Cherrybark Oak Photos - ForestryImages.org
Cherrybark Oak - Virginia Tech Dendrology

The Fruit: Acorns are 1/2 inch long, orange-brown, pubescent when young; scaly, somewhat pubescent cap covers about 1/3 of the nut; matures in fall after two years.