Oak Gall
Cynips gallae • Fagaceae
TreeWildCommon Oak Apple Gall
🌱 Seed Category
Tree
🌍 Origin Region
North America and Europe
📅 Days to Maturity
Forms over several weeks during spring flush of oak leaves.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 to 9
About This Seed
Round, spongy growth formed on oak trees by gall wasps, featuring a mottled reddish-brown and tan surface texture resembling a small woody sphere.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring and Summer
Germination
Not a true seed; develops from plant tissue responding to wasp larvae. Does not germinate traditionally.
Planting Instructions
Not applicable as this is an insect gall rather than a viable plant seed.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Grows on host oak trees requiring full sun and moderate moisture.
Companion Plants
Found exclusively on oak trees (Quercus species).
Special Characteristics
Historically used to make iron gall ink; houses developing gall wasp larvae.
Identified on 9/1/2026