Height: Usually about 75 feet, but capable of reaching twice this height in ideal locations
Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous
Lifespan: Fairly long lived; up to 200 years
Fall Foliage: Brownish orange to red; not quite as spectacular as some other oaks
Range: The eastern United States; New England to Georgia, west to east Texas and Iowa
Typical Habitat: Most commonly, relatively dry uplands with poor soil
The Black Oak Tree: Valuable to Humans and Wildlife
The black oak – like most oaks – provides a lot of food for local birds and mammals. And because their acorns are relatively small, they’re suitable food for many species that can’t eat the large acorns of chestnut oaks (Quercus montana) and others.
Additionally, the orange-colored inner bark of black oak trees was used as a yellow dye by people. It was also important in the tanning of leather.
Black Oak Identification: Tips & Tricks
Black oaks are pretty easy to identify as an oak, but they can be tricky to distinguish from northern red oaks (Quercus rubra) and a few other close relatives. And to make things even more challenging, black oak leaves that grow in the shade are very large with shallow lobes and look much different than those growing in the sun, which have very deep lobes.
With practice you can learn to spot the subtle difference in shape between the large shade leaves of black oaks and those of northern red oaks, but there’s an easier way to identify this species: Flip the leaf over and look for a fine pubescence that is easy to rub off and covers the majority of the bottom surface.
The Black Oak: Additional Information
Still hungry for more black oak info? Satiate your need for knowledge with these high-quality resources:
- U.S. Forest Service: A comprehensive guide to the black oak tree, detailing everything from forest associates to the species’ response to fire.
- University of Kentucky: A basic overview of the species, but in an easy-to-digest format that makes for a great quick-reference.
- Illinois Wildflowers: Basic information as well as some anecdotal info, presented in a more personable format than is common for tree species guides.
