The longevity, size, and nutritious nature of its acorns combine to make the oak tree be considered as sacred to any culture who encounters them and it was considered to be the King of Trees by many people and cultures. Celtic folklore says that the Oak symbolizes wisdom, endurance, strength and braveness. Oak trees that have survived lightning strikes are considered sacred.
Also, the basic characteristics of the tree (strength and longevity) were considered to transfer to those who harnessed its power. Oak acorns represented patience and the ability to achieve much with small beginnings and acorns that were gathered at night were thought to have intense fertility powers—whether for a human or an entire field. Even the leaves of the oak had magical powers and a purpose. The burning of a few oak leaves and spreading around its smoke was the perfect way to cleanse the atmosphere of a particular place.The oak trees are also associated with helping or rescuing heroes in famous tales like Robin Hood.
The giant Bebb Oak tree, near the corner of Livernois and Auburn roads,
is symbolized in the city of Rochester Hills logo.
Heroditus, the father of ancient history, recorded in the mid-400's B.C., that oak trees were reputed to have within their boughs, the gift of prophecy. Ancient Priestesses and priests in the sacred groves of the time interpreted the rustling of the oak (or beech) leaves to determine the correct actions to be taken.
The Oak has been cultivated and grown for centuries and many things have been produced from it such as tannins (topical ointment or oil), ink and a wide assortment of medicinal remedies. The use of oak wood is well known as a hard wood with many uses in both carpentry as well as furniture and other uses. Many of these uses have been reported since ancient times through present-day.
An extremely rare Henry VIII (8th) oak English counter table from around 1540
An oak tree is in the genus Quercus, having 600 extant species. 'Oak' may also appear in the names of species in related genera, notably Lithocarpus. The genus is native to the Northern Hemisphere, and includes deciduous and evergreen species extending from cool temperate to tropical latitudes in Asia and the Americas.
Oaks have spirally arranged leaves, with lobed margins in many species; some have serrated leaves or entire leaves with smooth margins. Many deciduous species are marcescent, not dropping dead leaves until spring. The flowers are catkins, produced in spring. The fruit is a nut called an acorn, borne in a cup-like structure known as a cupule; each acorn contains one seed (rarely two or three) and takes 6–18 months to mature, depending on species.
One limb on Americas largest known Bebb Oak here at Rochester Hills.
A Bebb Oak (Quercus x bebbiana) is a hybrid between a white Oak and a Bur Oak, having the leaves, bark and growth character of Bur Oaks and the acorns of a white Oak. It is the most common natural hybrid of the Bur Oak. The Bebb Oak Tree is generally is found in the midwest United States and Canada.
The tree that this Geocache is dedicated to is claimed to be "America's Largest Bebb Oak tree" (there is even a plaque/sign dedicated to this by the City of Rochester Hills here) and the tree itself is estimated to be over 200-250 years of age. It's "estimated" because with a tree that large, any testing to determine it's actual age could potentially damage the tree that has probably been here since the first settlers came to the Rochester Hills area back in the mid-1700's.
The sign for the Bebb Oak.
It's technically co-champion for the largest tree of its kind in the state, along with another Bebb Oak in Charlotte, MI. That designation is based on a formula involving its height, trunk circumference and crown spread.
Unfortunately there are no national registry listings for hybrid trees, which the Bebb Oak is classified under. Most, if not all registries, are for non-hybrids.
The tree that resides here is well-known by residents and non-residents alike and has been the subject of many photos and wondrous stories over the years. Some folks believe it has healing powers just for being near it or around it for any amount of time.
The Bebb Oak that has stood watch here for almost three centuries while the area surrounding it has changed, is well-loved by many and hopefully will remain here for many many years to come.