The oak group is one of the most important groups of trees on the North American continent, possibly even the entire northern hemisphere. The oak genus (Quercus) is comprised of 200 to 300 different species worldwide with 60 to 70 species native to the United States. There are 20 oak species believed to be native to Kentucky. There are many species of oaks, and they are numerous across the eastern United States. In fact, Kentucky’s forests are classified as Oak-Hickory type because approximately 75% of our forests are composed of oaks and hickories. In addition to their diversity and dominance in our forests, they are economically important and are often a foundational species of many ecosystems.