A series of caches connecting Voluntown to Plainfield. Enjoy a short hike on the well maintained Blue Blaze Hiking Trail System. While in the area there is also a series of caches in the Plainfield Forest management area.
NORTHERN RED OAK
The northern red oak has been called “one of the handsomest, cleanest, and stateliest trees in North America” by naturalist Joseph S. Illick, and it is widely considered a national treasure. It is especially valued for its adaptability and usefulness, including its hardiness in urban settings. This medium to large tree is also known for its brilliant fall color, great value to wildlife and status as the state tree of New Jersey.
Leaf
Alternate, seven to eleven lobes tapering gradually from broad bases that usually end with a pair of bristle-pointed teeth. Smooth and shiny on the upper surface; slightly hairy on the lower surface
Flower
Small green-yellow globules hanging in clusters forming catkins*
Fruit/nut
Acorn: smooth ovular-shaped bottom half ending in a shallow point, upper body capped with a textured, scaly surface
Twig/branches
Quite stiff, steely gray with buds developing alternately or in clusters
Bark
Dark reddish gray-brown, with broad, thin, rounded ridges, scaly
Form
Develops stout branches that form a narrow round-topped head
Size
Usually grows 65 to 100 feet tall, 45 feet wide, and 20 to 40 inches in trunk diameter
Native Range
Ranges from the north end of the Great Lakes, east to Nova Scotia, and south as far as Georgia
Type
Medium to large deciduous shade tree
Seasonal Colors
The leaves can turn a bright brick red in the fall
Click below for BLUE BLAZE TRAIL INFO
Permission granted by CT DEEP