(Quercus stellata)
The Beech Family (Fagaceae)
Medium-sized tree with dense, rounded crown; alternate, shiny, dark green, leathery, very large, deciduous leaves; and brownish-gray, plate-like, scaly bark.
Habitat:
Dry, upland ridges and prairie edges.
Interesting Facts:
Wood commonly used for posts, crossties and other construction purposes. Acorns are edible and, when roasted, make a coffee-like beverage. Tannins found in the tree used as an astringent and for tanning. Host to the Northern Hairstreak and Horace’s Duskywing butterflies.
Fruit:
Bowl-shaped, dark, shiny, brown acorns .5 - .75” with warty/scaly cap, covering 1/3 to 1/2 of acorn; maturing annually and ripening in the fall.
Flower:
Male: 2 - 4" yellow-green flowers on hanging catkins; Female: Reddish short spikes from leaf axils, appearing with the leaves.
Wildlife value:
Multiple species of birds and mammals eat acorns and attracted insects. Valuable nest source for birds and small mammals.
Bark
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 4.00-8.00 inches
Tree height: 30.00-70.00 feet
PDF link:
Where to find Post Oak on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
WAB - Walker Branch Trail 21.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.