White Oak (maybe)

White Oak/ Black jack oak hybrid?

White Oak/Red Oak, Black Oak, Blackjack oak hybrid?

One of the real challenges for those who identify oak varieties is this: Many varieties of oak hybridize with one another (or are simply too closely related --- and share common family attributes) A guide I have used to identify Oaks, shows the highly lobed variety found at top as a "white oak" though it differs considerably from the narrow lesser lobed variety showcased in the White Oak entry above. The third and fourth photos have attributes I identify with white oak --and other oaks. I simply lack the expertise to break these down any further.

Post Oak (White Box Oak)

Post Oak or Scrub Oak? (it would help if I could find the acorn)

I hope I have my ID's right here. The Leaf of the Post Oak sometimes looks very much like the white oak, or the smaller scrub oak.

Black Jack Oak

All the Blackjack I've encountered have been something a brushy rogue variety, though I think they grow big too. The Blackjack leaf (I I have correctly identified these) can look something like a white oak, but the shape is notably triangular, wide at the end and, with only minor lobe differentiation.

Chestnut Oak

Chestnut Oak : Quercus prinus

(of the White Oak family)

My first thought is that this Oak (leaf) will be easier to identify than others, in that it hardly looks like any of the other oaks. But now I'm not sure. The photos on the web of the Chestnut Oak generally show a somewhat broader and slighlty lobed elongated leaf. I may have to change my ID with more information

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chestnut_oak

Willow Oak

Willow Oak

Water Oak

Similar to the willow oak, but with widening at the tip. Water...Think paddle.

Sycamore (Place holder)

Info to be added

Maple Family

A quick survey of the Internet shows that there are hundreds of various trees in the Maple family, with a strong showing of that variation found in Arkansas. (The most common trait of those trees we call Maples is the winged whirly-bird seed.) In trying to capture some of those variants, I am struck with the problem which faces any who would classify. When--given genetic drift or regional variation--is something rightly regarded as its own species, a subspecies, or a "strain." The task is even more daunting given many maples are selectively bred for ornamental purposes.

For my limited purposes, I have presented five major groups of maples common to Arkansas. These include both "types" and species (I did not include Japanese Maple, as these do not appear part of the natural landscape.) I may yet find out if my observations are even close to those who do this professionally. Here are the categories I am working with at present.


1) Sugar Maple (or Maple Maple, the kind of leaf we see on the Canadian flag.)



2) Red Maple: Contrary to the name, Red Maple leafs are usually green (but may in Autumn, assume any of or range of colors, from limon to melon to cherry to brick.) I think they look like hanging bats.


3) Mountain Maple (Rocky Mountain Maple) Leaf tends to look like a grape leaf with diminished side lobes and some jagging.




4) Beechy Maple (Diminished lobes)



6 ) Silver Tip Maple: Deeply lobed, jagged, and scrappy. (our most prevalent)

Sugar Maple

For color punch and stalwart form, the Sugar Maple reigns as king in the Maple family. (See the Canadian flag)

Our Arkansas variety may lack the height or punch of those that we wee in New England Calendars, but really spice a hill side mixed in Oak and evergreen.

Sugar Maples showcase a distinct Autumnal undress. The top branches bare first, leaving an ever diminishing ball at the base.

Sugarish Maples (Simular but not)

Truth is, I can't tell you what these are. They look like Sugar Maples, but with different characteristics. The yellow specimen above showcases a smaller leaf, with much denser distribution pattern in the leaves and brances. The one outside the Arkansas Capitol is still very much dressed (11/23/08) while the Sugar Maples in vicinity are mostly naked.

The Red variety (which might more aptly be called "Red Maple" showcases the Sugar Maple leaf, but appears to be a dwarfed ornamental hybrid.

Red Maple (Bear Claw/Hanging Bat)

Mountain Maples (Rocky Mountain/

I grouped a number of maples show here under the Mountain Maple banner, including what may be Rocky Mountian Maple,