How to identify Black oak (Quercus velutina)

How to identify Black oak (Quercus velutina)

Black oak, also known as Quercitron oak

Black oak stands tall at a height of 50-80 feet (15-24 meters) in the northern part of its range, and may grow even taller in the south. Its broad, lobed leaves and acorns, characteristic of the red oak group, are a key identifier. The leaves, particularly when young, bear a velvety texture due to fine hairs. Its distinguishing bark is notably darker, which provides insight into its common name. This species may be mistaken for related oaks, particularly due to similar foliage and a potential for hybridization.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Black oak

Velvety texture on young leaves due to fine hairs

Distinctive acorns with a cap featuring loosely arranged scales

Male flowers in pendent, slender catkins; wind-pollinated

Gray twigs with white lenticels; terminal buds covered in gray hairs

Starkly contrasting bark with dark outer layer and yellow inner bark

Detailed Traits of Black oak

Leaf Features

The leaves of black oak are green, measuring 3-9 inches (7.6-22.9 cm) long and 2.5-6 inches (6.4-15.2 cm) wide. They feature 5-7 pointed lobes with short bristles at the tips. The sinuses are deeper in sun-exposed leaves compared to those in shade. Undersides are duller and paler, sometimes with short tufts at the base of the major veins or covered in short whitish hairs. Fall color ranges from yellow-brown to dull red.

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Flower Features

The flowers of black oak exhibit sexual dimorphism. Male flowers are yellowish, forming in catkins that are 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. These catkins are pendent and slender. Female flowers appear in short spikes, consisting of groups of 1-4. Both male and female flowers lack significant petals and are wind-pollinated, contributing to their simplicity in structure. The flowers typically bloom in spring, releasing pollen into the air.

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Stem Features

The stem of black oak is characterized by gray and smooth branches, while the twigs display a range of colors from gray to brown accented with white lenticels. The terminal buds are distinctively covered with gray hairs. These stems typically exhibit a sturdy, upright growth pattern and can vary in thickness, often reaching several inches (centimeters) in diameter, providing a robust framework essential for identification.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of black oak is a distinctive acorn, typically 1/2 to 3/4 inches (1.3 to 1.9 cm) in size, with a rounded appearance. These acorns possess a cap characterized by loosely arranged scales and feature a subtle, short fringe encircling the lower rim, which covers roughly half of the nut. They appear on the plant after 20 years of growth and are subsequently produced with reliable frequency, roughly every 2 to 3 years. The texture, size, and scale pattern on the cap are notable characteristics for identification.

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Black oak and Their Similar Plants

Northern red oak vs. Black oak: What's The Difference?

Arguably the most popular hardwood in the US, lumber from northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is used for cabinets, flooring, veneers, trim, and more. When growing, the tree reaches a height of 15 to 23 m. The foliage on this tree is stunning, with dark green leaves in summer giving way to brilliant red in the fall.

English oak vs. Black oak: What's The Difference?

The english oak (*Quercus robur*) is a deciduous tree native to Europe. It is a very long-lived tree; the oldest known specimens have been living for more than a thousand years. It is commonly represented in European mythologies as a symbol of strength, longevity, nobility, morale, and knowledge.

Pin oak vs. Black oak: What's The Difference?

Quercus palustris, colloquially known as pin oak, is a deciduous tree native to North America. Due to its favorable growing qualities and beautiful bronze coloration in autumn, pin oak is one of the most common oak species used in landscaping.

Live oak vs. Black oak: What's The Difference?

Quercus virginiana, commonly known as live oak, is a large evergreen tree native to coastal areas of southeast North America, known for its imposing, wide crown. Live oak is commonly cultivated as an ornamental in the American South, most often planted in avenues.

White oak vs. Black oak: What's The Difference?

Quercus alba is a long-lived white oak with a broad canopy. The common name, white oak, refers to the color of its processed wood, which has a wide variety of uses - construction, for wine and whiskey barrels, making musical instruments and weapons in Japanese martial arts, etc. White oak is rarely cultivated as an ornamental due to its large size.

Bur oak vs. Black oak: What's The Difference?

A deciduous tree native to North America, the bur oak is large and reaches mature heights over 46 m tall. The acorns that come from this tree are the largest of all the oak trees. Bur oak is used most often for shade, in shelterbelts, or as an ornamental.

Water oak vs. Black oak: What's The Difference?

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Willow oak vs. Black oak: What's The Difference?

Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to North America. It is easily distinguished from other species of oaks by the shape of its leaves - Quercus phellos has lanceolate, oval leaves which resemble those of willow, hence the common name.

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Key Facts About Black oak

Attributes of Black oak

Spread

6 m to 18 m

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Brown

Yellow

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Fruit Color

Brown

Stem Color

Green

Red

Yellow

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Black oak

Slightly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Black oak

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Beeches, walnuts, and allied trees

Family

Beech

Genus

Oaks

Species

Black oak (Quercus velutina)

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Distribution Map of Black oak

The black oak is native from southeastern Canada to North Central and Eastern USA, where it occurs in woodland ecosystems. Within its native range, black oak is cultivated and used a construction timber, as well as in landscaping.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Black oak

A Comprehensive Guide to Black oak How to Grow and Care for Black oak