Please identify small plant next to oak tree and type of oak tree - Ask Extension
Hello, I'm having trouble identifying a small plant at the base of an oak tree and I'd be grateful for any help. I'm also trying to identify what kind...
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Please identify small plant next to oak tree and type of oak tree #598304
Asked September 21, 2019, 3:52 PM EDT
Hello, I'm having trouble identifying a small plant at the base of an oak tree and I'd be grateful for any help. I'm also trying to identify what kind of oak this tree could be; so I can germinate an acorn.
(Or should I not germinate an acorn from this particular tree?)
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi - We would like more information about the small plant at the base of the tree. Does it have a woody stem or is it herbaceous (soft)? Are those pods that are splitting open to release seeds? One possibility might be a type of pepper weed. https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewSpecies.php?species=2939
The acorns look like those of a black oak, which is a native tree (and fine to germinate, if you wish). https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewSpecies.php?species=1563
These would need exposure to cold in order to germinate. Here is more information on germinating acorns. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-handling-germinating-and-planting-acorns
Christa
The acorns look like those of a black oak, which is a native tree (and fine to germinate, if you wish). https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewSpecies.php?species=1563
These would need exposure to cold in order to germinate. Here is more information on germinating acorns. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-handling-germinating-and-planting-acorns
Christa
Yes, I'd say the stem is woody much like basil or hot peppers become woody. Also yes the pods which feel like little dry pepper seeds seem to have little red seeds inside. Thank you for all your help.
We think this looks like a type of pepperweed, perhaps Field pepperweed (Lepidium campestre) or Virginia pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum).
Christine
Christine
