Post Oak
Arbor walk #68
Our Post Oak, located on the South 40.
The Post Oak is a North American species in the white oak group. This tree is easily recognizable by the unique cross shape formed by the leaf lobes.
| Name | Post Oak |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Quercus stellate |
| Type | Native |
| Diameter | 35″ dbh |
| Leaf | Dark green, 4″to 8″ long with 3 to 5 lobes in a crusiform |
| Flower | Inconspicuous yellowish-green, separate male & female catkins |
| Fruit Characteristics | Small acorn 1/2 to 3/4″ long, bowl -shaped, cup enclosing 1/3 to 1/2 of nut |
| Bark Characteristics | Light brown, deep fissures & scaly ridges |
| Foliage Type | Deciduous |
The Post Oak, sometimes called the iron oak or rough oak, is native to the eastern and central regions of the United States. It is fairly low maintenance and capable of growing in various types of soils. The second part of the Latin name, stellata, means “star”, which is most likely a reference to the shape that is formed by the lobes. Our post oak is one of the oldest tree specimens remaining on the South 40. It was recently saved from creeping vines which were strangling the tree, the remnants of which can still be observed on the tree today.