Post Oak

Arbor walk #68, TreeKeeper ID #2930

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. 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.

The Overcup Oak is a member of the subgenus of white oaks. These oaks are distinguishable from other oaks from their smooth lobe tips (no awns), their hairless leaf undersides, and their lighter, flakier bark. The acorns of white oaks are also less tannic, meaning that they require less processing to become safe and palatable.

Common NamePost Oak
Latin NameQuercus stellata
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Take a Look Around Tree #68