Maturation of Shumard and White Oak Acorns

Abstract During a 3-year observation of growth and maturation of acorns from four Shumard and four white oaks, dry weights of both increased steadily from July until early November. Chemical analyses of acorns from one tree of each species showed that carbohydrates, the principal storage food, accumulated rapidly during late August as moisture content decreased. Physiological maturity as indicated by normal germination was reached in late October or early November, when carbohydrates averaged 25 percent in Shumard acorns and 40 percent in white oak. The most practical indicator of acorn maturity is the change in color from green to brown. Forest Sci. 22:149-154.