Quercus stellata
(Post Oak)

 
“Post Oak” by Vincent Parsons is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Post Oak” by Vincent Parsons is licensed under CC BY 2.0

“Post Oak” by sandy richard is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Post Oak” by sandy richard is licensed under CC BY 2.0

A medium to large tree often growing in excess of 55′ with a broad rounded crown.

Leaves: alternate, deciduous 4-5″ in length and nearly as wide, deeply divided into 5-lobes with the lobes being widest at the ends, forming a cross shape. Dark green on the upper surface, paler and hairy below.

Flowers: male and female on the same tree appearing in spring when leaves are about one-third grown. Male catkins in drooping clusters about 5″ in length, female flowers inconspicuous.

Fruit: oval acorn ripening in fall, about 1/2 – 1″ in length set in a small cup covering about 1/3 of the acorn.

Twigs: stout and grayish to brown, rounded buds.

Bark: on mature trees thick and distinctive with deep fissures separated by dark gray ridges.

Comments: usually found on upland well drained sites, however; in S.E. Texas may tolerate some wetter or poorly drained areas. Larger trees are often stout twisted and gnarled. Good source of food for wildlife.

“_DSC5694” by Plant Image Library is licensed under CC BY 2.0

_DSC5694” by Plant Image Library is licensed under CC BY 2.0

“Post Oak” by Katja Schulz is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Post Oak” by Katja Schulz is licensed under CC BY 2.0