Quercus stellata Wangenh.

Post Oak

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Post Oak is a large deciduous tree in the Beech family (Fagaceae). It is native to all of Alabama. Post Oak grows in dry hardwood forests, in dry mixed pine and hardwood forests, in prairies, and on dry rocky slopes. It is a large tree reaching heights of 90-100 feet. The bark is light gray and forms thin plates. Twigs are densely stellate-pubescent. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, and usually cruciform lobed. The upper surface of the leaf is dark dull green in color with scattered hairs that give the leaf a rough texture. The lower surface of the leaf is yellowish green and stellate pubescent. The lower surface of the leaf also has yellowish glandular hairs. Male flowers are produced in drooping yellow-green catkins. Female flowers are solitary and sessile. The fruit is a nut. The cup of the acorn is bowl shaped and encloses ½- 2/3 of the acorn. Acorns mature in one year. Post Oak is similar to Sand Post Oak (Quercus margarettiae Ashe ex Small), which was once treated as a variety of Post Oak. Sand Post Oak is usually a shrub or small tree without stellate hairs on the lower leaf surface and glabrous twigs. Its leaves also are more variably lobed and not usually cruciform. Post Oak is planted as a shade and street tree. It is available from many nurseries. Tree prefer a well-draining soil in full sun and are drought tolerant once established.--A. Diamond

**

Native FACU (NWPL) G5 (Global Rank)

**