{"id":650,"date":"2026-10-12T12:12:34","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T16:12:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/?page_id=650"},"modified":"2026-10-12T12:12:34","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T16:12:34","slug":"sawtooth-oak","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/trees\/sawtooth-oak\/","title":{"rendered":"Sawtooth Oak"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Quercus<\/span> acutissima<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Sawtooth Oak is a fast-growing oak native to eastern Asia and widely planted throughout the United States for<\/span> its<\/span> adaptability,<\/span> wildlife<\/span> value,<\/span> and<\/span> ornamental<\/span> qualities.<\/span> Named<\/span> for<\/span> the<\/span> distinctive<\/span> saw-like<\/span> teeth<\/span> along<\/span> its<\/span> leaf<\/span> margins,<\/span> it<\/span> is<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> easiest<\/span> oaks<\/span> to<\/span> identify<\/span> during<\/span> the<\/span> growing<\/span> season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike many native oaks that require decades to produce substantial acorn crops, Sawtooth Oak often begins producing<\/span> acorns<\/span> at<\/span> a<\/span> relatively<\/span> young<\/span> age.<\/span> This<\/span> characteristic<\/span> has<\/span> made<\/span> it<\/span> popular<\/span> in<\/span> parks,<\/span> campuses,<\/span> wildlife<\/span> plantings,<\/span> and<\/span> landscape<\/span> settings<\/span> where<\/span> rapid<\/span> establishment<\/span> and<\/span> dependable<\/span> acorn<\/span> production<\/span> are<\/span> desired.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identification<\/span><\/h2>\n

Leaves<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Alternate<\/span> leaf<\/span> arrangement<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Long,<\/span> narrow<\/span> leaves<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Prominent<\/span> bristle-tipped<\/span> teeth<\/span> along<\/span> the<\/span> margins<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dark<\/span> green<\/span> during<\/span> the<\/span> growing<\/span> season<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Yellow<\/span> to<\/span> golden-brown<\/span> fall<\/span> color<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Resemble<\/span> chestnut<\/span> leaves<\/span> more<\/span> than<\/span> typical<\/span> oak<\/span> leaves<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Bark<\/span><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Gray<\/span> to<\/span> dark<\/span> gray<\/span> bark<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Smooth<\/span> on<\/span> younger<\/span> trees<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Develops<\/span> ridges<\/span> and<\/span> furrows<\/span> with<\/span> age<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Flowers<\/span><\/h3>\n
        \n
      • Produces<\/span> inconspicuous<\/span> flowers<\/span> in<\/span> spring<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Male<\/span> flowers<\/span> occur<\/span> as<\/span> drooping<\/span> catkins<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Female<\/span> flowers<\/span> appear<\/span> singly<\/span> or<\/span> in<\/span> small<\/span> clusters<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Wind-pollinated<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Fruit<\/span><\/h3>\n
          \n
        • Acorns<\/span> mature<\/span> in<\/span> a<\/span> single<\/span> growing<\/span> season<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Acorn<\/span> cups<\/span> are<\/span> covered<\/span> with<\/span> long,<\/span> fringed<\/span> scales<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Acorns<\/span> are<\/span> produced<\/span> at<\/span> a<\/span> relatively<\/span> young<\/span> age<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Often<\/span> abundant<\/span> on<\/span> mature<\/span> trees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Size<\/span><\/h3>\n
            \n
          • Typically<\/span> grows<\/span> 40<\/span> to<\/span> 60<\/span> feet<\/span> tall<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Mature<\/span> spread<\/span> of<\/span> 35<\/span> to<\/span> 50<\/span> feet<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Develops<\/span> a<\/span> broad,<\/span> rounded<\/span> crown<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Native<\/span> Range<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Sawtooth Oak is native to China, Korea,<\/span> Japan,<\/span> and<\/span> neighboring<\/span> parts<\/span> of<\/span> eastern<\/span> Asia.<\/span> It<\/span> has<\/span> been<\/span> widely<\/span> planted<\/span> in<\/span> North<\/span> America<\/span> as<\/span> an<\/span> ornamental<\/span> and<\/span> wildlife<\/span> tree<\/span> because<\/span> of<\/span> its<\/span> rapid<\/span> growth<\/span> and<\/span> dependable<\/span> acorn<\/span> production.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Within<\/span> the<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum,<\/span> Sawtooth<\/span> Oak<\/span> is<\/span> classified<\/span> as<\/span> a<\/span> Non-Native<\/span><\/strong> species.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Ecology<\/span> and<\/span> Wildlife<\/span> Value<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Sawtooth<\/span> Oak<\/span> provides<\/span> important<\/span> food<\/span> and<\/span> habitat<\/span> resources<\/span> for<\/span> wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Its<\/span> acorns<\/span> are<\/span> consumed<\/span> by:<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            • White-tailed<\/span> deer<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Wild<\/span> turkeys<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Squirrels<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Chipmunks<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Blue<\/span> jays<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Other<\/span> birds<\/span> and<\/span> mammals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Its<\/span> broad<\/span> canopy<\/span> provides:<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Nesting<\/span> habitat<\/span> for<\/span> birds<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Shade<\/span> and<\/span> shelter<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Roosting<\/span> sites<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Urban<\/span> wildlife<\/span> habitat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Although<\/span> it<\/span> does<\/span> not<\/span> support<\/span> the<\/span> same<\/span> ecological<\/span> relationships<\/span> as<\/span> native<\/span> oaks,<\/span> its<\/span> acorns<\/span> can<\/span> be<\/span> a<\/span> significant<\/span> food<\/span> source<\/span> for<\/span> wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Human<\/span> Uses<\/span> and<\/span> Cultural<\/span> Significance<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Sawtooth<\/span> Oak<\/span> is<\/span> frequently<\/span> planted<\/span> because<\/span> of<\/span> its:<\/span><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Rapid<\/span> growth<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Attractive<\/span> foliage<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Reliable<\/span> acorn<\/span> production<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Adaptability<\/span> to<\/span> a<\/span> variety<\/span> of<\/span> soils<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Broad<\/span> shade<\/span> canopy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  The<\/span> species<\/span> is<\/span> commonly<\/span> used<\/span> in:<\/span><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Campus<\/span> landscapes<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Parks<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Wildlife<\/span> plantings<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Large<\/span> residential<\/span> properties<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Arboretums<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Its<\/span> distinctive<\/span> leaves<\/span> and<\/span> acorn<\/span> cups<\/span> make<\/span> it<\/span> a<\/span> popular<\/span> educational<\/span> tree<\/span> for<\/span> studying<\/span> oak<\/span> diversity.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Sawtooth<\/span> Oak<\/span> at<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Sawtooth Oak contributes<\/span> shade,<\/span> wildlife<\/span> resources,<\/span> and<\/span> botanical<\/span> diversity<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum.<\/span> Its<\/span> distinctive<\/span> chestnut-like<\/span> leaves<\/span> and<\/span> fringed<\/span> acorn<\/span> cups<\/span> provide<\/span> visitors<\/span> with<\/span> an<\/span> opportunity<\/span> to<\/span> compare<\/span> a<\/span> non-native<\/span> oak<\/span> with<\/span> the<\/span> many<\/span> native<\/span> oak<\/span> species<\/span> found<\/span> on<\/span> campus.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    As<\/span> a<\/span> non-native<\/span> species,<\/span> Sawtooth<\/span> Oak<\/span> demonstrates<\/span> how<\/span> trees<\/span> from<\/span> around<\/span> the<\/span> world<\/span> have<\/span> become<\/span> part<\/span> of<\/span> modern<\/span> landscapes<\/span> while<\/span> helping<\/span> illustrate<\/span> the<\/span> remarkable<\/span> diversity<\/span> within<\/span> the<\/span> oak<\/span> genus.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Quick<\/span> Facts<\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Common<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Sawtooth<\/span> Oak<\/span>
                    \nScientific<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Quercus<\/span> acutissima<\/span><\/em>
                    \nFamily:<\/span><\/strong> Fagaceae<\/span>
                    \nNative<\/span> Region:<\/span><\/strong> Non-Native<\/span>
                    \nMature<\/span> Height:<\/span><\/strong> 40-60<\/span> feet<\/span>
                    \nMature<\/span> Spread:<\/span><\/strong> 35-50<\/span> feet<\/span>
                    \nGrowth<\/span> Rate:<\/span><\/strong> Fast<\/span>
                    \nSun<\/span> Requirements:<\/span><\/strong> Full<\/span> Sun<\/span>
                    \nSoil<\/span> Preferences:<\/span><\/strong> Well-drained<\/span> soils;<\/span> adaptable<\/span> to<\/span> a<\/span> variety<\/span> of<\/span> conditions<\/span>
                    \nUSDA<\/span> Hardiness<\/span> Zones:<\/span><\/strong> 5-9<\/span>
                    \nBloom<\/span> Period:<\/span><\/strong> April<\/span> to<\/span> May<\/span>
                    \nFruit\/Seed:<\/span><\/strong> Acorns<\/span> that<\/span> mature<\/span> in<\/span> a<\/span> single<\/span> growing<\/span> season<\/span>
                    \nWildlife<\/span> Value:<\/span><\/strong> Provides<\/span> food<\/span> and<\/span> habitat<\/span> for<\/span> birds<\/span> and<\/span> mammals<\/span>
                    \nNotable<\/span> Characteristics:<\/span><\/strong> Saw-toothed<\/span> leaf<\/span> margins,<\/span> fringed<\/span> acorn<\/span> cups,<\/span> rapid<\/span> growth,<\/span> and<\/span> early<\/span> acorn<\/span> production<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":224,"featured_media":0,"parent":6,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-narrow.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-650","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/224"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=650"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/650\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":651,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/650\/revisions\/651"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}