EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

The Golden Oak
With Many Uses

Mongolian Oak (Quercus mongolica), Family Fagaceae
Inner Mongolia, China

Explanation:  Found in eastern China, northern Japan, and the Russian Far East is this beautiful tree: the Mongolian oak, shown here in late autumn golden colors just before shedding its leaves for the winter.  
  

 
Quercus mongolica is found widely in eastern Asia, and is
quite variable in appearance.  Some of its forms have been
denoted as separate varieties or even subspecies or species,
but these likely represent inherent variability and not
separate taxonomic entities.
 

Various uses of Mongolian oak have been reported.  The seeds (acorns) may be edible but only after the bitter tannins are leached out.  Galls found on the tree are astringent and may help treat dysentery and other ailments, and also can be used as a dye and nutrient source.  The acorns also provide important food for wild boars, which are one of the key prey items of Siberian tigers.  [Note: we do not necessarily advocate using any plant for food or medicinal purposes without first consulting experts.]

  In the Russian Far East, Mongolian oak is found associated with
a number of other tree species including various species of 
hornbeam, lime, maple, and Korean pine.

In Inner Mongolia, China, it often grows individually in
sandy and well-drained sites.