Although once considered to be a variety of Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata), this species has since been confirmed as ecologically and morphologically distinct[].

Common Name: Cherrybark Oak

General Information

Quercus pagoda is a deciduous tree with a high, rounded crown; it can grow up to 40 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole is free of branches for a considerable height; it can be 90 - 150cm in diameter, occasionally to 270cm[, , ].
An important timber species, it is commonly harvested from the wild on a commercial basis. It is planted as an ornamental shade tree[].
Quercus pagoda is common throughout the southeastern United States and there are no reports of serious population declines. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant contain tannins. Whilst tannins are found in many foods, and have a range of medicinal uses. They are usually only present in low concentrations. In some foods made from oaks (particularly the seeds), the tannin content can be quite high unless the food is treated to reduce tannin content.
Tannins are only of low toxicity and, because of their bitter taste and astringency, are unlikely to be eaten in large quantities. However, if they are taken in excess, they can cause stomach pains; constipation followed by bloody diarrhoea: excessive thirst; and excessive urination[].

Botanical References

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Range

Southeastern N. America - southeastern Missouri and southern Indiana to eastern Virginia, south to eastern Texas and northern Florida

Habitat

Moist lowlands and mesic slopes, often associated with Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii) in bottomland hardwood forests; at elevations up to 300 metres[]. Poorly drained bottoms and mesic slopes[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Quercus pagoda is a very cold-hardy tree, tolerating temperatures down to around -25°c when dormant[].
Prefers a sunny position[]. Seedlings are somewhat shade tolerant, but also grow well in full sun[]. Prefers a good deep fertile loam which can be on the stiff side[, ]. Dislikes alkaline soils[].
Cherrybark Oak is one of the largest, fastest-growing and hardiest of the red oaks of the southern US[]. An ornamental tree, it can be planted to provide shade[].
The seed takes two growing seasons to mature[].
Plants resprout from the root crown if top-killed. Sprouting is most prevalent in young trees 25cm or less in diameter and a sprout from a top-killed seedling actually grows faster than a true seedling[].
Like many species in the Red Oak group, Quercus pagoda is susceptible to Oak Wilt, caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. However, no reports of widespread population decline are currently available[].

Edible Uses

The subglobose seed is 9 - 15mm long and 8 - 16mm wide[]. It is high in fat content, but low in protein[].
Although we have no specific information for this species, the seeds of all the species of oak are edible - indeed, several species have been used as staple foods, whilst most if not all have been used for food in times of shortage, when better foods were not available[].
The seed is usually cooked before eating, though it can also be eaten raw. It can be eaten whole, though it is more commonly dried, then ground into a powder and used as a thickening in stews etc or mixed with cereals for making bread.
In some species, especially many of those classified as 'white oaks', the seeds are low in tannins and have a more or less sweet and agreeable flavour. The seed of most species, however, have a very bitter flavour, due especially to the presence of tannins. In these species there are various processes that can remove or at least reduce the amount of these bitter substances (although other water-soluble substances, including some minerals, will also be removed).
Tannins are water-soluble and therefore the easiest way to remove or reduce tannin levels is by soaking in water. A few different methods are listed:-
A traditional method of preparing the seed was to bury it in boggy ground overwinter and allow the wet soil to gradually leach the tannins. The germinating seed was dug up in the spring when it would have lost most of its astringency and bitterness.
Another method was to wrap the seeds in a cloth bag and place them in a stream for several weeks.
Drying the seed and grinding it to a powder before soaking speeds up the process. The fastest method is to use hot water, by cooking the powder and changing the water several times until the cooking water is no longer bitter. Alternatively, you can use cold water (which is reported to produce the best quality flour). In this case, you soak the powdered seed in cold water for 12 - 24 hours then discard the water. Repeat this process for a number of times until the soak water is no longer bitter.

The roasted seed of many Quercus species has been used as a coffee substitute.

Medicinal

Quercus (oak) species are used in the traditional medicine of many cultures, being valued especially for their tannins. Various parts of the plant can be used, most frequently it is the leaves, bark, seeds, seed cups or the galls that are produced as a result of insect damage. A decoction or infusion is astringent, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, styptic and haemostatic. It is taken internally to treat conditions such as acute diarrhea, dysentery and haemorrhages. Externally, it is used as a mouthwash to treat toothache or gum problems and is applied topically as a wash on cuts, burns, various skin problems, haemorrhoids and oral, genital and anal mucosa inflammation[]. Extracts of the plant can be added to ointments and used for the healing of cuts[, ].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is used in the restoration of bottomland hardwood forests on abandoned agricultural fields and harvested pine plantations. Bottomland forests provide excellent wildlife habitat and watershed protection[].

Other Uses

The leaves of most species in this genus are more or less rich in tannins. A mulch of the partially decayed leaves can be placed around vulnerable plants in order to repel slugs, snails, grubs etc, and these will in time break down to add humus and nutrients to the soil. Fresh leaves should be used with caution, however, since as these decay they utilize some of the nitrogen in the soil and thus can inhibit plant growth[, ].

Oak galls are excrescences that are sometimes produced in great numbers on the tree and are caused by the activity of the larvae of different insects. The insects live inside these galls, obtaining their nutrient therein. When the insect pupates and leaves, the gall can be used as a rich source of tannin, that can also be used as a dyestuff and is also used by many cultures to make ink[, ].
The bark of oak trees is also usually rich in tannins and can be used as a dyestuff and for waterproofing rope[, ].

The wood is strong and heavy[]. Of exceptional quality, it is used for making furniture, interior finish, veneers, railroad ties etc[, ].
The wood of many Oak species is a favoured fuel - burning well and giving off a lot of heat[].

Propagation

Seed - it quickly loses viability if it is allowed to dry out. It can be stored moist and cool overwinter but is best sown as soon as it is ripe in an outdoor seed bed, though it must be protected from mice, squirrels etc. Small quantities of seed can be sown in deep pots in a cold frame. Plants produce a deep taproot and need to be planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible, in fact seed sown in situ will produce the best trees[]. Trees should not be left in a nursery bed for more than 2 growing seasons without being moved or they will transplant very badly.