post oak
ExplorePlants
post oak
Quercus stellata
The post oak is a strong tree with a wide trunk and beautiful leaves. It grows in many places and provides shade for animals and people alike. Its acorns are a tasty treat for squirrels and birds!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The post oak has distinctively lobed leaves, often appearing cross-shaped and leathery, with a dark green top and fuzzy, lighter underside. Its thick, rough, deeply furrowed bark is usually gray-brown, and the tree often forms a rugged, spreading crown.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its hard, rot-resistant wood was once vital for fence posts, hence its name!
Look closely at its leaves; they often resemble a cross or a blunt hand shape!
Some bugs create tiny "galls" on post oak leaves, looking like tiny alien homes!
Young post oak leaves can be covered in tiny star-shaped hairs for protection!
Special abilities
Ability
Fire Shield
Post oaks have thick, fire-resistant bark that helps protect the inner wood from low-intensity wildfires, allowing them to regrow and thrive.
Ability
Drought Master
This tree can grow a deep taproot to reach water far underground, helping it survive long dry periods where other plants might wilt.
Ability
Tough Soil Thrive
Post oaks have a special ability to grow well in poor, rocky, or sandy soils where many other trees struggle, making them hardy pioneers.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1200-2500 cm
- Spread
- 900-1800 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Collects and consumes its nutritious acorns.
eaten by
Promethea Silkmoth
Callosamia promethea
Its caterpillars feed on post oak leaves.
shelters
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
Uses post oak branches for nesting and perching.
eats
Ruffed Grouse
Bonasa umbellus
Forages on its acorns and buds.
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.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
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.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay clear of falling branches and be gentle around trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is post oak?
1200-2500 cm
How wide does post oak spread?
900-1800 cm
How big are the flowers on post oak?
1-5 cm
When does post oak bloom?
Spring
Is post oak edible?
No
Is post oak toxic?
Mild
What is post oak's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is post oak pollinated?
Wind
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