Hybrid oaks occur when pollen from one species lands on a flower from another, and the resulting acorn becomes a first generation hybrid tree that possesses traits from each parent.   Although uncommon, this phenomenon does occur, and our team has an uncanny knack for finding them…lots of them!   Being a hybrid doesn’t mean its progeny will always grow faster or drop pounds and pounds of acorns at a younger age, but they can.  We see this ‘hybrid vigor’ trait quite often, especially among the hybrids from the white oak section, but other traits such as tastier acorns, acorn production at a younger age, or a tolerance to a wider range of conditions can result.

For example, overcup oak lacks in desirable traits other than its ability to tolerate poorly drained soils.  When ‘crossed’ with other species from the white oak section, those undesirable traits virtually disappear, the tree grows faster than either of its parents on a wide range of sites, and deer stand in line to get at its acorns!  Our hybrids from the red oak section don’t usually provide hybrid vigor, but they do offer traits such as uncommon drop times, smaller or larger acorns, increased site tolerances, and an uncanny ability to ‘backcross’ with other red oaks in the area, which can increase the genetic diversity of your local oak populations. 

All-in-all, oak hybrids are simply unique and can offer diversity to your landscape and wildlife populations.