Quercus velutina aka Black Oak

Quercus velutina, commonly known as the black oak or eastern black oak, is a species of oak tree native to eastern and central North America. It belongs to the red oak group (Quercus sect. Lobatae) and is closely related to the California black oak. This medium-sized deciduous tree can reach heights of up to 15m. Its leaves are bright shiny green, with deeply cut jagged lobes that create a pointed shape. In the autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful golden bronze before falling. The acorns of Quercus velutina are partially covered by a deep cup. This tree is widespread across the coastal states from Maine to Texas, and can also be found inland as far as Michigan, Ontario, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and eastern Texas. It primarily grows on upland hills, slopes, and ridges. The black oak has a globular, spreading crown and matures to a diameter of 3'. Its bark is almost black with deep furrows, while the inner bark is yellow to orange in color. The leathery, shiny, dark green leaves have 7-9 deeply incised lobes with bristle tipped teeth. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow to yellow-brown to dull red. Black oak produces insignificant yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins during the spring, as the leaves emerge. The tree bears elliptic acorns, which are covered by saucer-shaped cups that can cover up to half of the acorn. Large crops of acorns typically appear every 2 to 3 years, serving as an important food source for various wildlife including deer, squirrels, small rodents, turkeys, grouse, jays, and other birds. Overall, Quercus velutina is a striking oak species with its distinctive leaves, dark bark, and valuable ecological role in its native range.