Oak Ecosystems
Oaks play a crucial role in ecosystems around the world. Learn how this tree serves as a backbone in its communities.
Bur Reed Marsh, Interpretation of Four Seasons: Spring (2000) by Hart, NancyThe Morton Arboretum
All living things have evolved to fill some role in a community. These communities of cooperating entities are referred to as ecosystems. Trees are often the backbone of these communities.
Oaks are a keystone tree in ecosystems around the world. Keystone species are a species upon which other organisms in the ecosystem heavily depend on to function. The immense diversity of oaks includes 430 species and spans across 5 continents.
As a keystone species, oaks not only provide food and shelter for insects, mammals and other organisms, but also an assortment of ecosystem services to humans. Ecosystem services are services provided by nature, like reducing pollution, regulating the climate, or providing food for pollinators.
Quercus velutina (Black Oak), habitat (2011-10-10) by Hedborn Jr., Edward A.The Morton Arboretum
In forests of Illinois, oak trees are the backbone of many of the native ecosystems.
Quercus alba (White Oak), habitat (1999-10-21) by Hedborn Jr., Edward A.The Morton Arboretum
Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak), habitat (2012-06-28) by Hedborn Jr., Edward A.The Morton Arboretum
Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak), habit, summer (2007-09-27) by Brown, Deborah J.G.The Morton Arboretum
Hundreds of insect species live and feed on oaks. In turn, these insects serve as a source of food for the hundreds of bird species migrating and nesting through Illinois.
Quercus alba (white oak) and Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak), acorns detail (1972) by Reynolds, P. J.The Morton Arboretum
Oak trees supply wildlife with food. Acorns, the fruit of oak trees, are a key source of nourishment for birds, like blue jays and quails, and mammals, such as deer and squirrels. In return, these animals will move acorns, leaving the uneaten to germinate and grow new oak trees.
Even below the ground oaks are working with members of its ecosystem to support life. Certain mycorrhiza fungi live on the roots of oaks and probe into the soil to bring nutrients to the oak. In return, oaks provide the fungi with food that it made from photosynthesis.
STRENGTH bench in the oak (Quercus) collection at The Morton Arboretum (2015-04-24) by The Morton ArboretumThe Morton Arboretum
In the U.S. oaks are one of the most valuable tree groups for ecosystem services. Large oaks can reduce the storm water runoff and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Oak ecosystems can provide billions of dollars worth of water management and other ecosystem services.
Not only do trees provide tremendous ecological benefits, but they also provide numerous benefits to people. Planting and caring for trees has been shown to have a positive impact on one’s mental and physical health.
Street trees in suburban Chicago (2015) by The Morton ArboretumThe Morton Arboretum
Because oaks and all trees provide us with so many benefits, it's important as members of the same ecosystem that we are able to give back. Since 1830, the Chicagoland region has lost 83% of the original oak ecosystems and oaks in our region need help.
Cut logs in the winter (2016) by The Morton ArboretumThe Morton Arboretum
Oaks are at risk due to a variety of threats. Human activities, such as suburbanization, often lead to oak habitat loss. Oaks are also impacted by climate change, taking damage from severe storms, and being more susceptible to pests/diseases because of increased temperatures.
The Arboretum is ensuring that our local oak ecosystems are protected at home. The Arboretum’s science and conservation endeavors help us better understand, grow and protect oaks so that we can grow and protect them for a healthier, more beautiful world.
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