Re:
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG]
- From: G* O*
- Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 08:03:48 -0500
At 10:41 PM 11/12/99 -0500, you wrote:
>Hi, all--
>
>We too have had a bumper crop of acorns this year. The last time I noticed
>this was after another major drought. This year we had the worst drought in
>my lifetime, and now the hugest crop of acorns ever. Could the trees be
>trying desperately to carry on??
>
>Beth in PA
>
Acorn production has more to do with conditions the preceding spring than
with fall droughts or winters to come. Some oak species even require two
years to mature their acorns. However, increased seed production is indeed
sometimes a response to stess.
A lot of tree species do not produce seed consistently year to year, but in
"flushes" of reproduction at irregular intervals. I do not know if oaks
fall in that category or not, will see if I can find out.
Gerry
