Other Names: Duir (Celtic), chinkapin oak, yellow oak, yellow chestnut oak, and rock oak
Number of Species: Over 600
Family: Fagaceae
Genus/Species: Quercus muehlenbergii
Leaf: Simple, alternate, oblong, deciduous, 4–7 inches long, rich dark green color above, lighter below, and a very course toothed margin like a saw. This tree does not provide color in the fall.
Bark: Light gray color, flaky and rough
Fruit: Small wide acorn up to an inch in length. The cap covers the top half of the nut. All acorns are true nuts and quite edible, but they must be shelled first, just like removing a peanut from its shell. Also, the tannin must be leached out first. I suggest watching videos on YouTube for tutorials. The process is quite simple but time-consuming.
Magickal Properties and Lore: Power, rulership, might, protection, health, healing, money, fertility, luck, and victory in war and battles. The oak, however, is a tree of peace and harmony. Oak was considered sacred to the Druids and some ancient Europeans. Twigs of oak can be brought into the home to ward evil. Acorns can be placed in windowsills to protect from lightning and can be carried to attract good luck. The wood makes a powerful wand or staff. Many ancient Celts and Europeans associated the oak with deities of weather, especially the gods of thunder and lightning.
Practical Uses: Oak acorns provide nourishment to many birds, animals, and humans; however, acorns contain tannin (tannic acid), and this can be toxic in large amounts, causing pain in the stomach, thirst, severe diarrhea, and excessive urination. The tannin can be boiled out, but it is, like with all plants, best that you consult a professional first before using any plant for medicinal purposes.