Tanbark Oak

Lithocarpus densiflorus

Physical Characteristics

Lithocarpus densiflorus is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Oregon and California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Seed - cooked[94, 95]. The seed was a staple food for several native North American Indian tribes[257]. It contains bitter-tasting tannins and there are various ways of removing them. The fastest is by soaking the ground-up seed in hot water - if the water is changed at least once the tannins should be removed within 12 hours. Traditionally, the seeds were placed in a cloth bag and either buried in swampy ground or suspended in a running stream for a few months. Once the tannins have been removed, the seed is then dried, ground into a powder and can be used as a porridge or can be mixed with cereal flours in baking bread etc[183, 257]. It has a pleasant taste after it has been leached[161]. The seed is up to 25mm long and wide[82, 229]. The seed is valued for its oil[161].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Odontalgic Skin The bark is very astringent. An infusion is used as a wash for face sores[257]. The infusion can also be held in the mouth to tighten loose teeth[257].

Known Hazards

None known