Shieldian Oak

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The Shieldian oak (Quercus iansulae iansulae) of Iansisle, along with its primary subspecies the Sentrian oak (Q. iansulae sentrii) and the Daldon oak (Q. iansulae rianatus), were, at one time, the dominant arboreal feature of the Shieldian landscape.

There is good evidence to show of extensive forests which formerly stretched from the southern foothills of the Normarch to the Troobodian coast, Sentry Island, and the left bank of the Jaizar. However, the needs of fifteen hundred years of civilization on the Shield slowly pushed the stately oaks back to strongholds in the Normarch, along the upper River Daldon, and western Sentry Island.

Shieldian oaks are one of the larger types of oak, commonly reaching 60-75 feet in height with trunks from 2 to 3 feet. The largest Shieldian oak on record, located near Upper Mansford, was measured at 142’7” in 1843. The subsequent fate of that tree is unknown; most likely it was used for railroad ties along the River Mans.

Like all oaks, the Shieldian have an exceptionally strong, durable, and close-grained wood. It was heavily favored for everything from firewood to support timbers in houses to shipbuilding. Particularly in Shadoran, the oaks vanished completely as the Royal Iansislean Navy expanded.

In the days before agriculture, Shieldian oak acorns were highly valued as a source of food. They are also the primary source of nutrition for many species of birds and small mammals. As the oaks have retreated, so have the animals which depended on them for food.

Presently, the Shieldian oak is protected by the Iansislean government. Logging companies are limited to a certain quota per year. Most construction firms have found it more economical to use the softer but much more abundant (and unprotected) Noropian pine. For a short time in the mid-19th century, Shieldian oak was very popular (for patriotic reasons) as a wood for fine furniture. However, Gallagan mahogany and teak soon cornered that market. Now, the wood is primarily used as a firewood among the well-to-do. Being able to afford to burn Shieldian oak in the fireplace is a common benchmark of the transition to upper-middle class.

The Shieldian oak is fairly common as a shade tree on estates throughout the Shield. However, the tree’s long growing period is often a deterrent to all but the most dedicated (and prolific) or gardeners. It is also often seen in the courtyards of Iansislean embassies across the world, though the heavy water requirements can exclude it from more arid countries.