A native North American tree, 60-150 feet tall. The bark is light, flaky, and flat-ridged. Leaves have rounded or finger-shaped lobes, whitened beneath when mature. The flowering male catkins appear in the spring. The fruit is an acorn, a common feature with all Oaks. Found throughout the world in many different species, but an oak is an oak. The acorns are a familiar food. They can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. It is a astringent, and a tonic. Used as a gargle for mouth and throat irritations. An infusion of the bark, is used internally to stop bleeding, reduce fevers or externally for hemorrhoids and rectal problems, (red or black oak bark can be used in place of white for external uses). Steep 1 tablespoon of the bark in 1 pint water, simmering for IO min. Take up to 3 cups a day.