Unlike the other deciduous trees in our Columbia, Missouri, yard, our two sawtooth oaks are reluctant to drop their leaves. In fact, the leaves are just now taking on a yellowish sheen and are as supple as they were in mid summer.
Of the 90+ oaks (trees and shrubs) native to North America, sawtooth oaks are not among them. These exotic oaks are native to Eastern Asia but have become naturalized in various regions of the Southeastern U.S.; indeed, one of ours appeared on its own. The long, saw-toothed leaves are distinctive enough but their acorns are especially helpful in identification; the large, round nut, relished by our resident squirrels, has thick, curly scales.
Oaks, common through most of the country, are a subfamily of the Beech Family, which includes beeches, oaks and chestnuts. Worldwide, there are at least 400 species of oak.
