Tanbark Oak (Lithocarpus densiflorus)

Family: Fagaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Lithocarpus densiflorus is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tasting tannins and there are various ways of removing them. — The seed was a staple food for several native North American Indian tribes.; It contains bitter-tasting tannins and there are various ways of removing them.; The fastest is by soaking the ground-up seed in hot water - if the water is changed at least once the tannins should be removed within 12 hours.; Traditionally, the seeds were placed in a cloth bag and either buried in swampy ground or suspended in a running stream for a few months.

Habitat & North American Range

Woody slopes below 1500 metres on fertile mountain slopes. It is found on a variety of soil types, but requires a humid atmosphere if it is to thrive. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)