I planted one in 2017 on my property in a wet area and it has grown about 15 feet tall from a 6 inch seedling. I also planted some on top of a dry hill that have only put on about a foot of growth but they seem to have "taken hold" so to speak and gotten some roots down to moisture because they are starting to thrive now on the hilltop.
I found 2 swamp chestnut oaks this year about 100 feet a part from each other in Sumter National Forest on the edge of a creek this past year. They were both giants and the acorns were almost the size of golf balls! I was wondering, do these trees drop acorns every year or is it every other year? I loved viewing the wildlife that came to visit the trees and hope for the same opportunities next year. Thanks for the information, the video was very helpful!
You were witnessing a "mast year" with swamp chestnut oaks! Oaks produce acorns through masting, where abundant years are followed by very sparse years. One explanation is to ensure that wildlife populations don't have the numbers to consume all of the acorns--varying production ensures that in mast years, some are left to germinate. 2020 was definitely a mast year for oaks in the Carolinas! There's an interesting paper by Marc Abrams that correlates the prevalence of Lyme disease with the population increase of mice and deer following a mast year. But we're still not sure what triggers a mast year. So many mysteries, so little time.
Seems like it, doesn't it? Many do seem to have an upland and wetland variety. Quercus michauxii and Quercus montana were lumped as Quercus prinus for many years.
Wow such huge leaves! Thank you for your riche video. Michaud = miche haute (high Ham or high bun)
Such cool trees! I transplanted two smaller swamp Chestnut Oaks onto my property last year
I planted one in 2017 on my property in a wet area and it has grown about 15 feet tall from a 6 inch seedling. I also planted some on top of a dry hill that have only put on about a foot of growth but they seem to have "taken hold" so to speak and gotten some roots down to moisture because they are starting to thrive now on the hilltop.
I found 2 swamp chestnut oaks this year about 100 feet a part from each other in Sumter National Forest on the edge of a creek this past year. They were both giants and the acorns were almost the size of golf balls! I was wondering, do these trees drop acorns every year or is it every other year? I loved viewing the wildlife that came to visit the trees and hope for the same opportunities next year. Thanks for the information, the video was very helpful!
You were witnessing a "mast year" with swamp chestnut oaks! Oaks produce acorns through masting, where abundant years are followed by very sparse years. One explanation is to ensure that wildlife populations don't have the numbers to consume all of the acorns--varying production ensures that in mast years, some are left to germinate. 2020 was definitely a mast year for oaks in the Carolinas! There's an interesting paper by Marc Abrams that correlates the prevalence of Lyme disease with the population increase of mice and deer following a mast year. But we're still not sure what triggers a mast year. So many mysteries, so little time.
@@ncstatedendrology6721 wow, I didn't know that! Thanks so much for the info. I will be sure to check out the paper!
I think a lot of summer rain precedes a mast year in the fall. That’s what I have observed. I’m only guessing though.
Does every oak have a swamp counterpart???
Seems like it, doesn't it? Many do seem to have an upland and wetland variety. Quercus michauxii and Quercus montana were lumped as Quercus prinus for many years.
Awesome point
I absolutely love swamp chestnut oaks, but them acorn weevils demolished them this year!
I wasn't collecting those acorns this fall, but 2020 was definitely a mast year!
They can still germinate