Oak Vs. Mahogany

Oak Leaves and Fruit

• Oaks are divided into two distinct groups, depending on their leaves and the growth pattern of their fruits -- the acorn. Those belonging to the red oak group have bristly or pointed leaves, and their acorns mature over the course of two seasons. These acorns develop in the fall and only sprout after maturing in the spring. Species in the white oak grouping have rounded leaves with no bristles, and their acorns develop and mature in the fall. These acorns provide an important food source for many species of wildlife.

Mahogany Leaves and Fruit

• Mahogany leaves are evergreen or semi-evergreen with an alternate, even-pinnately compound pattern. They are oval or lanceolate shaped. Mahogany fruit is encased in brown, woody capsules approximately 5 inches long that hang from fuzzy, slender stalks in the winter. When they ripen in the spring, they split open while still on the tree to release several winged seeds each. These fruit, however, are not consumed by wildlife, creating litter problems.

Uses for Oak

• In landscaping, large oaks, like the white oak, are valued for their massive trunks and limbs -- which provide an attractive silhouette even after they lose their leaves in the winter -- acorn production, fall leaf displays and the ability to provide shade. Large oaks, however, are not suitable for large properties. Smaller oaks are often evergreen -- such as the Japanese evergreen oak -- and smaller properties can accommodate them. These trees are suitable as specimen trees, lawn trees and make good street side or parking lot island species. Oak is also the most common wood used for unfinished hardwood flooring.

Uses for Mahogany

• Mahogany is planted by landscapers as a reclamation, shade, lawn, specimen, street or parking lot island tree. It can survive in a few hundred square feet of soil and has a high drought and salt tolerance. It is valued in woodworking for its attractive wood and is used in higher grade hardwood flooring. It is nearly twice as hard as Northern red oak -- making it more naturally resistant to denting and other mechanical damage -- but is also more expensive.