Shape
and Distribution
Post
oak is a small to large tree, depending upon the situation in which it
is growing. Typically, post oak has a scrubby growth form because it grows
on dry, sandy or gravelly, nutrient-poor sites. It grows in barrens, savannas,
flatwoods, and in dry and xeric upland forests, often on bluffs. Under
these conditions, it is often a small to medium-sized tree. It can reach
a height of up to 60 feet when the site has better growing conditions.
Its trunk can reach a diameter of up to 3 feet, but is usually less.
Interesting
Facts
Post
oak is frequently identified by its cross-shaped leaves. Though the lobes
of the leaves are often so, they vary in shape by population and region,
and the characteristic is therefore not a reliable one for purposes of
identification. The thick, yellowish twigs and the yellow, star-shaped
(stella means star) hairs on the underside of the leaf are better
identifying features. The common name, post oak, comes from the fact that
the wood is used for fence posts.
Identifying
Features
Bark
The bark
is gray or light brown, with deep grooves and broad ridges. In older trees,
the grooves/ridges appear to twist slightly down the length of the trunk.
Its branches are thick and spreading, forming a rounded, broad crown. Sometimes,
the branches are contorted. Post oak is a very slow-growing tree, but one
that can live to be 500 years old.
Leaves
The leaves
of post oak are alternate and simple. They are from 4 to 6 inches in length
and from 2 to 4 inches broad. They usually have 5 rather squarish or rounded
lobes, which are smaller at the base of the leaf and become broader near
the tip. The middle pair of lobes is often at almost right angles to the
midrib of the leaf, giving it a cross-shaped appearance. The surface of
the leaf is dark green and has scattered stiff hairs, giving it a rough
texture. The leaf is stiff and hard, with a shiny, waxy coating. The underside
of the leaf has yellowish hairs on it, as do the twigs.
Flowers
The flowers
are typical of oaks. The male and female flowers are on the same tree,
but separate, and they appear just as the leaves begin to unfold. Male
flowers are drooping yellow catkins. The female flowers are red and borne
as a few per cluster.
Fruits
The acorns
are from 1/2 to 1 inch long and occur either singly or in pairs. The cup
is reddish brown and covers approximately 1/3 of the nut. Its scales are
slightly hairy.
Uses
The wood
is close grained and hard, and does not rot quickly in the soil. It was
also used for rough construction and fuel. Native Americans consumed acorns
from a variety of oaks, most likely including the post oak. They used post
oak medicinally to treat a number of illnesses, ranging from skin infections
and canker sores, to fevers and dysentery. |
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