Wildlife: October 2000 Other Wildlife Articles

Post Oak
Quercus stellata

Characteristics: Post oak is a deciduous native perennial tree that may grow on upland or bottom land sites. It is small to medium sized and reaches 60 feet tall. Leaves have five to seven broad, rounded, notched lobes. Veins do not extend past the margin (edge) of the leaves, which are slightly thickened, shiny dark green on top, and gray green on the bottom.

Area of Importance: Throughout most of Oklahoma and Texas, especially the Cross Timbers region.

Attributes: Post oak wood has been marketed as white oak lumber, fence posts, railroad crossties, and construction timbers. Although slow growing, it is a hardy tree sometimes planted for shade and landscaping. Many species of wildlife, including deer, turkey, quail, and squirrel, eat post oak acorns. Goats, deer, and occasionally cattle browse the leaves.

I.D. Tip: In open areas, post oak trees have a spreading, rounded, dense crown, while in wooded areas, the crown may be more irregular and sparse, with few lower limbs. The bark is usually light gray, fissured into narrow or broad ridges. The two middle lobes of the leaf are larger than the sharp pointed base and rounded tip, the entire leaf resembling a cross.

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