What is that? - Oak Gall

What is it? Well, it is oak galls. They look like puff balls, but they are coverings around material that an oak tree doesn not like on itself. So it rapidly covered the invader (insect, fungi, bacteria) where it then eventually falls off.

Steve Brill's Book:

Peterson Guide:

Elpel's Book:

Craig is also a well respected martial arts/combatives instructor with over 20 years experience in armed and unarmed tactics and has advanced rank in both Judo and Aikido. Forever a student, Craig is always at work improving his mindset, skills and tactics for all he endeavors. His goal is to always help others develop their mindset and critical thinking skills so they can think on their own and for themselves.

[TheMuttFromMars]

I remember these being everywhere on the ground on my backyard. Once I was in the backseat of the car as a child, a green one in my hand I picked from a tree's low branch. I opened it, disappointed to see it was fuzzy, almost hallow, no juice. Then I saw the "seed" in the middle.
*I cracked it open with my fingernails and then saw a white translucent wasp-like larvae, moving slowly. This is then how my dad got into his first car accident. We were on the highway. Lol.*

[RATsHippi]

I noticed many hornets swarming around one of our oak trees, but their nest wasn't in the tree. After searching on the internet a bit, I learned that the galls emit a smell (it was described as a honeydew aroma) that attracts the hornets.

[chrisrice]

Thanks so much! I find these frequently and save them to use in nature art and now I know what they are!

[oscartango]

I’ve been curious about those things forever. Now I know. Thank you.

[southpawbushcraft]

I always thought they were cool to play with lol. Great video as always!

[thaknobodi]

The ones i notice most are the red white marbled ones. Though I'm sure earth toned ones exist in Dallas, they are camouflaged

[dianebays]

I have seem those but didn't know what it was.

[Dragon-Slayr]

A pointed plum acorn which looks like a heart

[DogFlamingoXIII]

To me, this is like a sebaceous cyst that humans grow.

[phoebesagala]

Is there a way i can get some of the oak goals please?

[inthewoodswithbigfoot]

Cool. Thanks for the info. Is there any uses for them?

[Musicgutbucket]

Absolutely brilliant been wondering what they were. Thanks.

[scottwebber]

Good to know. On my 10 year old oaks I see m in clusters. N the tree looks great otherwise.