What is darlington oak?

Darlington oak, also known as Quercus hemisphaerica, is a tree species native to the southeastern region of the United States. It can grow up to 60 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. The leaves are leathery, dark green, and oblong in shape, with a glossy upper surface and a pale underside. The acorns are about 1 inch in length and are held in scaly cups.

Darlington oak is a slow-growing and long-lived tree that is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. It is known for its hard wood, which is used for furniture, flooring, and construction. The tree is also important ecologically, providing habitat and food for birds and mammals, such as deer and squirrels.

The species is named after William Darlington, a botanist from Pennsylvania who first identified the tree in the early 1800s. Although it is not considered threatened or endangered, the tree is vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation due to urban expansion and land-use changes. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and manage populations of Darlington oak.