Common names: post oak

Scientific names: Quercus stellate (Q. margaretta)

Seasons of significant use: spring, summer, fall, winter (for Quercus spp. complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial tree to 75.0 feet. Bark usually gray to gray-brown, relatively thick, irregularly fissured with narrow or broad scaly ridges; leaves deciduous, alternate, simple, stellate-hairy on lower surface, usually 5-7 lobed (not bristle tipped), the upper 3 lobes usually being the largest, usually having somewhat of a crosslike appearance; plants monoecious; inflorescences are catkins; fruit is a 1-seeded nut called an acorn, 1-2 clustered, cup enclosing 33-50% of the nut, maturing the first year in the fall. Flowers March-May.

Plant community type: Predominantly in uplands, but some in bottomlands.

Comments: Prolific root sprouter. One of the dominant species in uplands of Cross Timbers region.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family