Edible acorns from white oak trees mature in the fall, making them an essential food source for wildlife. Black bears especially rely on them, gorging in preparation for hibernation. In fact, white oak acorns are a bear’s favorite—often leading them high into the trees to feed directly from the branches.

These acorns contain less tannin than other varieties, giving them a lighter color and sweeter flavor that’s more appealing to both humans and animals. White oaks are considered one of the best trees for supporting wildlife. They can grow up to 100 feet tall and begin producing acorns around 20 years of age, with large “bumper crops” occurring in older trees every 4 to 6 years.

Unlike red oaks, which produce acorns every two years, white oaks bear acorns annually once they begin. Hybrid varieties are available that can start producing in as little as five years. In addition to their value as a food source, white oaks also provide vibrant fall foliage in shades of red and burgundy.

Many say, “No oaks, no bears,” and it’s easy to see why—white oak acorns are the blue-ribbon winner of the forest. They’re a favorite for a wide variety of Smoky Mountain wildlife including black bears, white-tailed deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, opossums, groundhogs, foxes, coyotes, skunks, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, and birds like woodpeckers and blue jays.