And why you should plant them in your landscape
DieterMeyrl/Getty Images
There are about 500 species of oak trees.
Most people recognize oaks by their acorns and spot common species by their lobed leaves.
Still, the genus is incredibly varied and is invaluable for spreading that variety to the environment.
DieterMeyrl/Getty Images
They have undeniable beauty, providing shade, stunning fall colors, and lush foliage in the spring.
Here are 18 types of oak trees to consider planting.
The species gets its name from its bark, which turns almost completely black with rough ridges.
JoanWynn / Getty Images
This species makes an excellent shade or specimen tree if enough space is provided.
With leaves unlike any other oak, this species' leaves resemble the chestnut more than oak.
Its name, chinkapin, means chestnutthe acorn tastes similar to a roasted chestnut.
Leslie Quiroz / Getty Images
This useful tree is usually not planted for its beauty but for its usefulness in the making of cork.
The tree can live for centuries.
Initially, the bark grows furrowed and un-uniform for the first 12 years of the tree’s life.
Darrell Gulin / Getty Images
This first layer of bark is removed and discarded, allowing a second, more uniform layer to regrow.
After nine to 12 years, the new layer is removed, and the process begins again.
It is a beautiful tree with a very small habitable zone, and it needs help to survive.
Beekeepx / Getty Images
It is an evergreen oak with beautiful green foliage.
In the Pacific Northwest, it becomes deciduous.
Englemann oak is a great choice for those considering xeriscaping or a waterwise garden.
Mike Powles / Getty Images
The foliage of this tree is lit ablaze come October and November.
In fall the scarlet oak’s colors start vibrant and dazzling and finish off a deep luxurious scarlet.
This species also called the holly oak due to its holly-like spined leaves.
Mantonature / Getty Images
It has attractive green acorns that mature to a bright red before they fall.
The species grows quite large and can provide a good amount of shade.
In fall it can provide the odd burst of bright reds but tends to show tamer tones.
Ronald Wilson Photography / Getty Images
It is fast-growing, attractive, and hearty, with a pyramidal crown suitable for smaller yards and streets.
Besides this added versatility, this species' becomes bright orange to red with dark speckles in fall.
Like willows, this oak species prefers wet to moist soil.
Travelpix Ltd / Getty Images
This trait makes it a great addition to a planting list when planning a rain garden.
Its delicately serrated leaves highlight the tree’s appeal as they flutter softly in the wind.
The tree has become invasive and obtained noxious weed status in some eastern and midwestern areas of the U.S.
Ventura Carmona / Getty Images
Check with your localextension servicebefore planting.
Dee / Getty Images
Seven75 / Getty Images
epantha / Getty Images
JOSE LUIS VEGA GARCIA / Getty Images
Marina Denisenko / Getty Images
Billy_Fam / Getty Images
