CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY TREE STUDY KIT
TANOAK
Background for teacher/parent:
- Tanoaks have features of chestnuts and of oaks.
- Tanoak acorns were considered the second tastiest by Native American
tribes in Northern California.
(Black oaks were first.)
Acorns of different types were kept separate.
- Tanoak acorns are the only ones with spiky caps.
- Bark is a source of tannin used for making hides into leather.
- Tanoak is usually associated with bay and madrone trees along borders
of redwood forest.
- Leaves are very variable in size depending on conditions and
may vary from 3cm to 20 cm in length.
- Also called tanbark oak.
Song to the tune of ABC
Tanoak in the forest grows,
T for teeth so you will know.
Every fall the acorns drop,
Spiky caps are on the top.
Tanoak in the forest grows
When you see one you will know!