The Sawtooth Oak (Quercus acutissima Carruthers) is not native to North America, but rather it is native to Asia. It is sometimes found planted as an ornamental tree in North America. Two of its distinguishing features are its bur covered acorns and the saw-toothed leaves. Although little is known about its ecology and ability to establish and spread, some people consider it to be an invasive species. In North America, there are two native types of oaks, red oaks (Section Lobatae) and white oaks (Section Quercus).  The Sawtooth Oak is neither one. Instead it belongs to the Section Cerris, a section of the genus characterized by shoot buds surrounded by soft bristles, bristle-tipped leaf lobes, and acorns that mature in about 18 months.

 

 

The Sawtooth Oak was planted on the Refuge on North Tract north of Lake Allen on the south edge of the powerline right-of-way. The trees are healthy and persisting. There is no evidence that they are actively spreading, perhaps because the animals are getting to the acorns before they are able to germinate.