blackjack oak
ExplorePlants
blackjack oak
Quercus marilandica
The blackjack oak is a sturdy tree that grows in dry, sandy areas. Its leaves are unique and can turn beautiful colors in the fall, making it a lovely sight in nature!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The blackjack oak has distinctive dark, blocky bark and stiff, leathery leaves that are often wider towards the tip with three shallow lobes, giving them a duck-foot shape. Its overall form is often irregular and scraggly, sometimes with reddish-brown fall foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
14
Interesting facts
Did you know its strong wood was once used to make fence posts and charcoal?
Some people call its uniquely shaped leaves 'duck-foot' leaves because of their wide, three-lobed tip!
The acorns of the blackjack oak have a fuzzy cap that covers more than half of the nut!
This hardy tree can often be found growing in poor, dry soils where other trees struggle to survive.
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Defender
Blackjack oak has a deep taproot that helps it reach groundwater, allowing it to survive long dry spells and poor soils.
Ability
Fire Fighter
Its incredibly thick, dark bark protects the blackjack oak from damage during ground fires that sweep through its habitat.
Ability
Sun Shield
Blackjack oak has tough, leathery leaves that are designed to reduce water loss, helping it thrive in intense sun.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 500-1500 cm
- Spread
- 400-1000 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
eats blackjack oak acorns
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
browses leaves and eats acorns
depends on
Banded Hairstreak
Satyrium calanus
larvae feed on oak leaves
symbiotic with
Fly Agaric
Amanita muscaria
mycorrhizal fungi partner
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Nut Bearing
Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay away from the tree's sharp acorns, but enjoy looking at its beautiful leaves!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify blackjack oak?
The easiest way to identify blackjack oak is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is blackjack oak?
500-1500 cm
How wide does blackjack oak spread?
400-1000 cm
When does blackjack oak bloom?
Spring
Is blackjack oak edible?
No
Is blackjack oak toxic?
Mild
What is blackjack oak's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is blackjack oak pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
May 31, 2026
Arrowmont School of Arts and Craftsi
Photo attribution
(c) Nick Kleinschmidt, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Sep 5, 2024
Harrell Prairie Botanical Areai
Photo attribution
(c) Samuel A Schmid, PhD, PWS, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
Park32 sightings50 species
Tennessee, US
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
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Park38 sightings50 species
Arkansas, US
Calico Rock Historic District
You might spot Widow's-Cross, Yucca Giant-Skipper, and Outis Skipper.
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Park37 sightings50 species
Oklahoma, US
Darlington Agency
You might spot Hoary Vervain, Buffalo Gourd, and Pond Slider.
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Park34 sightings47 species
Missouri, US
Buford Mountain Conservation Area
You might spot Blackjack Oak, Bird's Foot Violet, and Starry Campion.
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Park30 sightings12 species
Texas, US
Bastrop State Park
You might spot Yaupon Holly, American Beautyberry, and Loblolly Pine.
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Park30 sightings12 species
New Jersey, US
Double Trouble State Park
You might spot Sweet Pepperbush, Sheep Laurel, and Pickerelweed.
View guide →
