| post oak Quercus stellata Fagaceae (white oak) |
Leaves are simple, alternate and deciduous with 3-5 smooth, variable lobes and cross-shaped lobes on some leaves. The underside of the leaf is very hairy with star-shaped clusters of hairs (need a hand lens to see). Twigs are brown-gray and pubescent. Terminal buds are ovoid, red-brown, and pubescent. Bark is gray-brown, shallowly grooved and scaly. Fruit is an acorn up to 1 inch long with a slightly striped and pubescent nut, and shaggy bowl-shaped cap. The acorn matures in one season. Post oak is found on upland sites in the south and south central U.S. and is intolerant of shade. The wood is used as white oak lumber and for posts. Acorns eaten by game birds, deer, bear and many small mammals.
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All text and photographs are intended for educational purposes only and are not for commercial use in any form. All photographs are copyrighted by the named photographer(s), text copyright by Lisa Samuelson. © 2005, all rights reserved. Photographs by Mike Hogan.
