Which Oaks trees (Quercus) have the largest acorns?

Indigenous peoples once depended on acorns for a large part of their diet. Tannins from oaks are used to dye leather. Oaks are divided into two groups: red oaks and white oaks. White oaks have leaves with rounded lobes. Their acorns are sweet and develop in six months. read more

Oaks are divided into two groups: red oaks and white oaks. White oaks have leaves with rounded lobes. Their acorns are sweet and develop in six months. Red oak leaves are pointed with tiny bristles at the ends of lobes. Their acorns are bitter and take two years to develop, remaining overwinter on a defoliated tree. read more

In North America, Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak) has the largest acorns [1]. Where most oaks have acorns with caps - their acorns have a sort of hairy outer shell which covers about 3/4 of the acorn. Makes it kind of look like a porcupine. read more

Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa): Found in the northeast Great Plains. 1.5 inch (4 cm) acorns with a cup that covers more than half the acorn. Post oak (Quercus stellata): Found in the Cross Timbers region. read more