Deer Orchard™ Starter Pack | Zone 5

As its common name implies, it is the northernmost eastern oak in the United States. It is a medium to large round canopied tree that prefers well drained, acidic loamy sands. It is found natively in upland mesic forests and thrives in coves, ravines and gentle to moderate slopes.. It is a fast growing, deciduous oak that provides reddish brown to bright red fall color. It is a favorite nesting destination for many species of birds and small mammals and is a dependable source of cover and mast for many game mammals, including whitetail deer. Its acorns are 3/4" to 1" and have a large flat cap that covers a quarter of the nut. Because of its value as a source of quality lumber, its wildlife value is often under appreciated.

Not only do deer love Chinese chestnuts, but you will find them tasty as well. They can be eaten roasted, boiled, or sautéed. A prickly 2–3½" seed husk encloses 1-4 nuts and will yield a ripened nut crop from mid to late September all the way through October.

The overcup is a favorite of the Wildtree team. It is a medium sized deciduous member of the white oak family. Its name is derived from its unique cork-like cap that covers the majority of the acorn. This cap plays a big role in the survival of the tree and also contributes to its wildlife value. The tree has adapted to survive in bottomlands that experience flooding regularly. The acorn cap serves as a flotation device, which allows the seeds to disperse to other areas and higher ground. This provides a food source in flood affected areas that might have little other food as a result of the high water. It has high mast value for deer, squirrels, rabbits and ducks. As a bonus, It is also a highly desirable landscape tree thanks to its straight trunk, symmetrical, upright growth habit and its unique bark.

A cultivar that has stood the test of time for human food, but also preferred by wildlife! A soft-fruited earlier-ripening selection that drops in late summer. Compared with our other offerings this selection is a bit more susceptible to fire blight, especially along the humid gulf coast or wet spring weather, but if kept in proper growing conditions without water stress, excess fertilizer and avoiding spring pruning, chances of infection will be reduced greatly. Plant with our later-fruiting selections to extend the season of pear availability for your deer, and to help maximize pollination between cultivars.