Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

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

Quercus velutina is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate. It is frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste test can tell when the tannin has been leached. — The seed is up to 25mm long and wide.; It can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a thickening in stews etc or mixed with cereals for making bread.; The seed contains bitter tannins, these can be leached out by thoroughly washing the seed in running water though many minerals will also be lost.; Either the whole seed can be used or the seed can be dried and ground it into a powder.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry woods. Often found on poor dry sandy, heavy clay soils or on gravelly uplands and ridges. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)