Burr Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) - Seedlings 6” tall.

Native tree with many great properties, human edible nuts (with processing), very high habitat qualities, pretty tree, etc etc.

Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Seedlings 4-8” tall.

These are probably local ecotype, but because the parent trees were in a sub-urban landscape I can’t really be sure. They are certainly from high yielding trees!

If you are looking for a easy to grow tree that provides food for humans and habitat for wildlife (as well as shade, mulch, fuel wood and probably many other nice things), it’s hard to beat a Oak tree. Acorns do require some processing to be edible, but after that they are a calorie dense and delicious food. Plant in full sun on well drained soil for best results, but they will grow in part shade as well.

For more info on eating acorns see this blog post and/or this podcast episode