The largest of the western hardwoods, spreading 10 m and growing up to 36 m tall. A good crop can be expected every third year (one tree was recorded as having yielded a tonne in a single year). The acorns were used for flour, by the Indians, after roasting. Some acorns are almost tannin free. The timber is considered fair to poor.
Comparison of Food Values of Q. lobata Acorns with Rival Foods (Expressed as %):Based on Smith
Cornmeal | Wheatflour | Q. lobata Leached | Q. lobata Unleached | |
Water | 12.5 | 11.5 | 11.34 | 8.7 |
Ash | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.29 | 2.0 |
Fat | 1.9 | 1.0 | 19.81 | 18.6 |
Protein | 9.2 | 11.4 | 4.48 | 5.7 |
Carbohydrate | 74.4 | 75.4 | 62.02 | 65.0 |
Fibre | 1.0 | 0.2 | 2.06 | |
Tannin | - | - | - | 6.63 |