ENH-720

Quercus stellata: Post Oak1

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2

1. This document is ENH-720, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 1993. Revised December 2006. Reviewed February 2014. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; and Dennis G. Watson, former associate professor, Agricultural Engineering Department, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county’s UF/IFAS Extension office.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.

IntroductionThis 40- to 50-foot-tall deciduous tree creates a dense, rounded canopy of spreading, twisted branches, but is not cultivated in nurseries. The 4- to 6-inch-long by 3- to 4-inch-wide, shiny, dark green leaves are deeply lobed and appear somewhat in the shape of a Maltese cross. Only rarely do the leaves change to a golden brown in the fall before dropping. The one-half to one-inch-long acorns are quite popular with squirrels and other wildlife. Old trees growing on good soil form a wonderful silhouette in the winter, with large-diameter, curving branches growing from a sinuous trunk.

General InformationScientific name: Quercus stellataPronunciation: KWERK-us stell-AY-tuhCommon name(s): Post oakFamily: FagaceaeUSDA hardiness zones: 6A through 9A (Fig. 2)Origin: native to North AmericaInvasive potential: little invasive potentialUses: reclamation; specimen; shade; highway medianAvailability: not native to North America

DescriptionHeight: 40 to 50 feetSpread: 35 to 50 feetCrown uniformity: irregularCrown shape: round

Figure 1. Mature Quercus stellata: post oakCredits: Ed Gilman, UF/IFAS

Figure 2. Range

2Quercus stellata: Post Oak

Crown density: openGrowth rate: moderateTexture: coarse

FoliageLeaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. 3)Leaf type: simpleLeaf margin: parted, lobedLeaf shape: elliptic (oval), obovateLeaf venation: pinnate, reticulateLeaf type and persistence: deciduousLeaf blade length: 4 to 8 inchesLeaf color: greenFall color: copperFall characteristic: not showy

FlowerFlower color: brownFlower characteristics: not showy

FruitFruit shape: round, ovalFruit length: .5 to 1 inchFruit covering: dry or hardFruit color: brownFruit characteristics: attracts squirrels/mammals; not showy; fruit/leaves a litter problem

Trunk and BranchesTrunk/bark/branches: branches droop; showy; typically one trunk; thornsPruning requirement: little requiredBreakage: resistantCurrent year twig color: gray, brownCurrent year twig thickness: thickWood specific gravity: 0.67

CultureLight requirement: full sunSoil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; acidic; slightly alkaline; well-drainedDrought tolerance: highAerosol salt tolerance: moderate

OtherRoots: not a problemWinter interest: yesOutstanding tree: noOzone sensitivity: unknownVerticillium wilt susceptibility: resistantPest resistance: resistant to pests/diseases

Use and ManagementMost often found on dry, low-fertility, sandy soils, post oak is extremely drought-tolerant. Trees should be located in full sun. Native trees are very sensitive to soil compaction, drainage changes and soil disturbance. Do not disturb the soil beneath the canopy on a construction site if the tree is to be saved.

Propagation is by seed.

Pests and DiseasesNo pests or diseases of major concern but the tree occasion-ally succumbs to chestnut blight. There are many other potential problems on oaks but none are normally serious. Post oak is susceptible to oak wilt.

Figure 3. Foliage