Quercus acutissima
Overview
The Sawtooth Oak is a fast-growing oak native to eastern Asia and widely planted throughout the United States for its adaptability, wildlife value, and ornamental qualities. Named for the distinctive saw-like teeth along its leaf margins, it is one of the easiest oaks to identify during the growing season.
Unlike many native oaks that require decades to produce substantial acorn crops, Sawtooth Oak often begins producing acorns at a relatively young age. This characteristic has made it popular in parks, campuses, wildlife plantings, and landscape settings where rapid establishment and dependable acorn production are desired.
Identification
Leaves
- Alternate leaf arrangement
- Long, narrow leaves
- Prominent bristle-tipped teeth along the margins
- Dark green during the growing season
- Yellow to golden-brown fall color
- Resemble chestnut leaves more than typical oak leaves
Bark
- Gray to dark gray bark
- Smooth on younger trees
- Develops ridges and furrows with age
Flowers
- Produces inconspicuous flowers in spring
- Male flowers occur as drooping catkins
- Female flowers appear singly or in small clusters
- Wind-pollinated
Fruit
- Acorns mature in a single growing season
- Acorn cups are covered with long, fringed scales
- Acorns are produced at a relatively young age
- Often abundant on mature trees
Size
- Typically grows 40 to 60 feet tall
- Mature spread of 35 to 50 feet
- Develops a broad, rounded crown
Native Range
Sawtooth Oak is native to China, Korea, Japan, and neighboring parts of eastern Asia. It has been widely planted in North America as an ornamental and wildlife tree because of its rapid growth and dependable acorn production.
Within the Marshall University Arboretum, Sawtooth Oak is classified as a Non-Native species.
Ecology and Wildlife Value
Sawtooth Oak provides important food and habitat resources for wildlife.
Its acorns are consumed by:
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkeys
- Squirrels
- Chipmunks
- Blue jays
- Other birds and mammals
Its broad canopy provides:
- Nesting habitat for birds
- Shade and shelter
- Roosting sites
- Urban wildlife habitat
Although it does not support the same ecological relationships as native oaks, its acorns can be a significant food source for wildlife.
Human Uses and Cultural Significance
Sawtooth Oak is frequently planted because of its:
- Rapid growth
- Attractive foliage
- Reliable acorn production
- Adaptability to a variety of soils
- Broad shade canopy
The species is commonly used in:
- Campus landscapes
- Parks
- Wildlife plantings
- Large residential properties
- Arboretums
Its distinctive leaves and acorn cups make it a popular educational tree for studying oak diversity.
Sawtooth Oak at Marshall University
Sawtooth Oak contributes shade, wildlife resources, and botanical diversity to the Marshall University Arboretum. Its distinctive chestnut-like leaves and fringed acorn cups provide visitors with an opportunity to compare a non-native oak with the many native oak species found on campus.
As a non-native species, Sawtooth Oak demonstrates how trees from around the world have become part of modern landscapes while helping illustrate the remarkable diversity within the oak genus.
Quick Facts
Common Name: Sawtooth Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus acutissima
Family: Fagaceae
Native Region: Non-Native
Mature Height: 40-60 feet
Mature Spread: 35-50 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Soil Preferences: Well-drained soils; adaptable to a variety of conditions
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Bloom Period: April to May
Fruit/Seed: Acorns that mature in a single growing season
Wildlife Value: Provides food and habitat for birds and mammals
Notable Characteristics: Saw-toothed leaf margins, fringed acorn cups, rapid growth, and early acorn production