Quercus pagoda aka Cherrybark Oak

Quercus pagoda, or cherrybark oak, is a large tree. It sheds its leaves each year. It belongs to the beech family, Fagaceae. Its home range spans the east-central and southeast United States. It grows from Maryland south to Florida and west to Texas. It also grows as far north as Indiana and Illinois. This red oak grows fast and forms a straight trunk. Its branches form a wide, round crown. Wild trees can reach 130 feet [39.6 metres].

The dark gray bark is smooth at first. With age, it forms rough ridges with scales. The mature bark looks much like cherry bark. Thick twigs range from reddish brown to gray. Young twigs have hairs but lose them with age. The simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern along twigs. Each leaf has five to eleven pointed lobes with bristle tips. The leaf's shape can suggest the tiers of a pagoda. The top of each leaf is glossy and dark green. The lower side is pale gray-white, with fine, star-shaped hairs. Leaves turn yellow-brown before they fall in autumn.

Small flowers appear from April to May. Male flowers are yellow-green and form clusters called catkins. Green female flowers grow on spikes. The brown acorns have orange-brown caps with hairs and scales. Each cap covers about one-third of its nut. Acorns need two growing seasons to ripen. They ripen from September to November. Trees first bear acorns at least 25 years after their seeds sprout. Birds and mammals eat the nuts. These include jays, turkeys, and bears.

This oak grows best in moist ground that drains well. It favors acid soil and loam on bottomland sites. It also adapts to drier ground and tolerates some shade. Full sun suits it well. North Carolina State lists USDA hardiness zones 6a through 9a. Its size suits large lawns, streets, and spaces left to grow wild. The crown casts shade. Moth and butterfly larvae feed on the leaves. These include imperial moths and several hairstreak butterflies. Its strong wood serves for furniture and indoor finishes.

Oak wilt, wood-boring insects, and galls can harm this tree. Hispidus canker also occurs. Poor sites raise the risk of heart rot. The tree does not catch fire with ease. It has some resistance to deer damage. Acorns are safe to eat only after leaching or boiling removes their tannins. The source also flags this oak as a problem for horses.