This past summer we noted a possible post oak decline underway in Caddo parish. Our special attention towards this species has persisted up until now, the proper season for planting trees. The precipitous decline in post oaks raises some long-term questions. Why not add a couple of new specimens to the arboretum collection? Furthermore, why not germinate acorns from our current stock of mature post oaks?
Several post oaks on the Centenary College campus were examined for acorns. None were visible. While their acorns are known to ripen in a single year, post oaks do not produce an abundance of fruit every year. Unfortunately for our plans, 2021 is not the year for Centenary College post oak acorn production.
Since the campus post oaks showed no signs of producing acorns this year, two additional Caddo Parish stands of post oaks, both outside of Shreveport, were examined for fruit. Again, no acorns! However, tiny trees were discovered. One property owner granted permission for the removal of a young post oak to be added to the arboretum collection. We have a new recruit!
 |
| Our new recruit hails from Caddo Parish, north of Shreveport. In this photo, mature post oaks loom over loblolly pines, blackjack oaks, rusty blackhaws, and black cherry trees. |
 |
| Several small post oaks were identified. This specimen is under 8 inches in height. Its taproot measured more than a foot. |
 |
| The young post oak, perhaps three to four years of age, was planted on the grassy slope near Cline Hall dormitory. How long will it take for this tiny tree to reach a foot in height? |
