currently unavailable Jack's oak represents a unique species of oaks developed or found from crosses of white oak and swamp white oak. The hybrids I have found are difficult to distinguish sometimes but over the years I found a couple of mature trees that I collected seeds from that ended up in my plantings. These show the typical swamp white oak bark and leaves as well as the white oak acorn characteristics. The population tends to be a blend of these two species. One tree in particular I kept because of its fast growth and perfect oval linden like crown. The symmetrical uniform branching was one of the fastest growing oaks at my farm. Because of this, I am wondering if the tree may have a third parent mixed into it as well. The seedlings I grew several times ago were very uniform. This might be the result of a nearby bebbs oak which is crossing with it.
Jack's oak could easily be grown as a hybrid swarm for acorn production to make trees as well as an edible food crop. The acorns are usually free of weevils. Some years the acorn yields are quite high and others low. A larger planting would improve pollination. The goal should be to create a timber like tree with heavy acorn production for people or wildlife. This tree could do that.
Plant Specs |
Genus & Species |
Quercus x jackiana (alba x bicolor) |
Seed Source |
Michigan |
Height (ft) |
60-90 ft. tall with equal width |
Pollination Requirements |
Needs cross pollination with other similar hybrids or species oaks like white oak and swamp white oak. Probably self fertile to some extent as well. |
Soil |
Adaptable to a wide range of soils including heavy soils with good water retention as well as sandy soils. |
Ease of Cultivation |
Great potential to even out the population for a true from seed hybrid oak for acorn production as well as timber quality. This cross is likely the result of other hybrids that share similar genetics including bebbs oak and burenglish oak which are nearby trees as well. Very easy to transplant and direct seed. The acorns sprout quickly so plant as soon as you get them. |