---
title: "This is Dru, my English oak. Does anyone have any idea what’s going…"
description: "This is Dru, my English oak. Does anyone have any idea what’s going on with him? The base of the stem is so much thinner than the rest, and I’m afraid it will…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg/64be4d93510d9e61f7f12207"
community: "Propagating & Sowing"
author: "Penny L"
published: "2023-07-24T10:08:19.595Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/WpKYN2FfaBCRMvqyS1GTh6wGBYepj7fZ7CnMJBvmePo/6b2c9e0cc7ce4113b5b13f08325360bc.webp?size=large"
---

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# This is Dru, my English oak. Does anyone have any idea what’s going…

_Posted by Penny L on 2023-07-24_

This is Dru, my English oak. Does anyone have any idea what’s going on with him? The base of the stem is so much thinner than the rest, and I’m afraid it will break. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks ahead of time! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/WpKYN2FfaBCRMvqyS1GTh6wGBYepj7fZ7CnMJBvmePo/6b2c9e0cc7ce4113b5b13f08325360bc.webp?size=large)

## 10 comments

### Mara commented on 2023-07-25

Sorry, I don’t mean to worry you. I was just thinking of the time of year. From what I’ve observed, germination happens in the fall or early spring when the temperatures are still cool. But I’m sure this varies from one oak tree to another. Stems should be upright with wavy or ruffled leaves like a tiny tree or branch. Give it time and see what happens. When did you plant it?

#### Penny L replied on 2023-07-25

I bought the acorns, and they’d been cold stratified, so I didn’t need to do that myself. It’s how you artificially create a winter-spring cycle. Or so I’ve read… 🤔

#### Mara replied on 2023-07-25

Yup that’s right. Well, I’m rooting for you and your trees 💚

#### Penny L replied on 2023-07-25

TY! It’s going to turn out to be grass or something…

#### Mara replied on 2023-07-25

😆

### Mara commented on 2023-07-25

I don’t know what that is in the pot. Could be a weed. If you inspect it, it’ll have small fibrous roots that would easily yank out of the soil. You can tell with a rooted oak will give you more resistance. There will be a thick tap root and still attached to the acorn.

#### Penny L replied on 2023-07-25

You’re right that I could check the roots, but it’s so fragile, I’m worried I’ll break it. Let me get some caffeine in me for courage and then try to resolve this mystery… Fingers crossed!

### Mara commented on 2023-07-25

🤞☺️

### Penny L commented on 2023-07-25

Okay, update: The Mystery Plant is a Conundrum. It’s growing out of the acorn, but it looks like grass. It’s firmly rooted in the acorn, though, so it a bit strange. I think I’m going to give it a week and if it doesn’t look more oak like, plant it in the garden.

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