Oaks are among the most significant trees from ecological, horticultural, and cultural perspectives.
As a keystone species, oaks sustain more life forms than any other North American tree genus, providing essential food, shelter, and habitat for countless birds, insects, and fungi. At Longwood, we are dedicated to preserving our oak collection, stewarding centuries-old specimens while expanding through ex situ conservation efforts.
Our Oak Collection showcases a diverse array of Quercus species and horticultural selections, with more than 800 trees representing 57 oak species planted across our grounds. Notably, 26 of the original 60 oaks planted in Oak Knoll by Pierre S. du Pont still stand.
Plants are obtained from commercial sources and from accessions of known provenance resulting from plant exploration trips and other sources.
Curator: Tony Aiello
Collection Highlights
Oak and Conifer Knoll in autumn.
Acorns on Quercus acutissima (sawtooth oak)
Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak)
Quercus shumardii
An acorn on a Quercus alba (white oak) tree.
Small green leaves emerge in spring on a Quercus macrocarpa tree.
Quercus dentata
Quercus alba (white oak)
Small catkins appear in spring on Quercus falcata.
