Yes, the oak is actually blooming. But while every child knows their acorns and enjoys doing crafts with them, the blossoms that run ahead seem to be invisible. Until the moment when we consciously look up into the great crown.
When and how does the oak bloom?
Oak trees bloom in Germany from May and bear both male and female flowers. Male flowers are delicate, yellow-green and hang in catkins, while female flowers are reddish and sit on long, hairy stems. The flowering period lasts from a few days to a maximum of two weeks, depending on the weather.
When does a young oak tree bloom?
The young oak takes a long time before it shows its flowers for the first time. A full 60 to 80 annual rings further on, the time has finally come. The tree is then no longer a sapling; the branches hang high, out of reach. No wonder we don't notice the flowers. In addition, the oak only repeats this flowering spectacle every 2 to 7 years.
Flowering time
The oak tree begins to cover its bare branches comparatively late, when other trees have long since put on their leaves. In years when she planned for flowers, they sprout at the same time as the leaves.
- The oak trees in this country will bloom from May
- Flowering duration depends on the weather
- from a few days to a maximum of two weeks
Every oak tree bears male and female flowers at the same time, usually at the base of young branches.
Male flowers
During the flowering period, only male flowers can be seen from a distance due to their size. The following characteristics are typical, although the flowers are slightly different for each oak species:
- male flowers are delicate
- have narrow, yellow-green colored flower bracts
- and approx. 6-10 stamens
- Inflorescences are called catkins
- they are 2-4 cm long and hang down in bunches
Female flowers
From a distance, female flowers look like thin twigs with a few reddish spots. The tiny button shape of the flowers can only be viewed in detail up close or with binoculars.
- they sit individually on long and hairy stems
- can also be found in groups of 2-5 flowers
Tip
If you want to collect acorns in the first fall after flowering, you will be disappointed. You have to wait because they only mature in the second year.
