Oak trees produce the most acorns once they reach 50 years old. Acorns are the reproductive nuts of oak trees, and the rate of acorn growth continues until the oak trees are approximately 80 years old before it gradually declines. It takes an average of about 20 years before an oak tree even begins to produce acorns. Mass acorn production generally occurs every 2 to 5 years. Since acorns are heavier than other plant seeds, oak trees cannot rely on the wind to spread them out to grow new trees. Instead, acorn dispersal is largely due to squirrels and jay birds collecting acorns and spreading them out to grow.
More about acorns:
- A liquid extracted from acorns was thought to be a cure for alcohol addiction in the 1600s.
- Over 100 different animal species include acorns as a major component of their diets. This includes deer, squirrels, wild turkeys, rabbits, blue jays, and raccoons.
- A Korean jelly known as dotorimuk is made from acorn starch, and is generally served as a savory dish combined with scallions, carrots, and sesame seeds.
