Quercus stellata aka Post Oak

Quercus stellata, commonly known as the post oak or iron oak, is a slow-growing North American species of oak in the white oak section. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 12m. This oak is well-adapted to dry areas, often found on the edges of fields and the tops of ridges. It is also able to grow in poor soils, displaying its resilience to adverse conditions. The post oak is known for its resistance to rot, fire, and drought. Interbreeding among white oaks has led to the occurrence of many hybrid species combinations. Native to the eastern and central United States, the post oak is found along the east coast from Massachusetts to Florida and can be found as far inland as Nebraska. Its distinguishing features include rounded lobes on its rich green leaves, with the first two lobes often being prominent, giving the leaves a crucifix-like appearance. The leaves have a rough texture due to short hard hairs covering them. In the fall, the post oak's leaves can turn a beautiful dark gold-bronze color. This oak is also referred to as the post oak because its durable wood has been traditionally used for fence posts. It typically grows with a rounded crown, reaching heights of 35-50 feet. In Missouri, it is commonly found in dry soils on rocky upland slopes, woods, glades, and moist soils along streams. In the spring, the post oak produces insignificant yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins. Its fruits are oval acorns, with cup-shaped caps that extend about one-third to one-half the length of the acorn. Acorns serve as an important food source for wildlife. The rough, often leathery, dark green leaves of the post oak have a cruciform appearance due to the large wide-spreading central lobes. The fall color of the leaves varies, ranging from uninteresting to shades of yellow and brown that can be of high quality.