Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Curly Top

Our acorns have curly tops right now.

Maybe they have curly tops every year at this time, but I have never noticed this phase in acorn development before.

Is this normal?
Is it a form of an oak "sport" ? (A sport is a genetic variation that spontaneously occurs in plants. When one is found in ivy, it can be named after the person who first finds it. I look at ivy all the time hoping to see a sport!)
Is curly acorn cap a sign of viral or pest issues?
Anybody out there seen something similar on the oak acorns in your area?
(Kinda cute isn't it? I do hope it is nothing to worry about!)
PS: Trying to find out about these things and saw this fun post with a great idea for making beeswax acorns. A bowl full would smell wonderful!

6 comments:

Vicki said...

I've never seen anything like that before! I wonder what type of oak that is?

Vee said...

That's interesting. No, I've never seen that before. Wonder what's going on...

ellen b. said...

I have no idea but I think they are really cool in a weird sort of way...
I'm just back from Canada and am trying to get caught up with posts and emails...

Anonymous said...

My name is Katie and I am a junior in High School. I have Honors Biology II this year and we have a leaf collection due soon. I noticed a tree with acorns like this. It's leaves were long and slender with toothed edges. Any idea what it may be?

Unknown said...

It is a Bur Oak and perfectly normal. They are found more often in rural areas but occasionally survive in urban areas (there are a few in Milwaukee, WI).

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

Thank you for solving this mystery!