Description
In the northern part of its range, black oak is a relatively small tree, reaching a height of 20–25 m (65–80 ft) and a diameter of 90 cm (35 in), but it grows larger in the south and center of its range, where heights of up to 42 m (140 ft) are known. Black oak is well known to readily hybridize with other members of the red oak (Quercus sect. Lobatae) group of oaks being one parent in at least a dozen different named hybrids.
The leaves of the black oak are alternately arranged on the twig and are 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long with 5-7 bristle tipped lobes separated by deep U-shaped notches. The upper surface of the leaf is a shiny deep green, the lower is yellowish-brown. There are also stellate hairs on the underside of the leaf that grow in clumps.
The inner bark of the black oak contains a yellow pigment called quercitron, which was sold commercially in Europe until the 1940s.
Key Characteristics:
Sun leaves have very deep u-shaped sinuses.
The buds are velvety and covered in white hair.
The fruits or acorns of the black oak are medium-sized and broadly rounded. The cap is large and covers almost half of the nut.
Read more about this topic: Quercus Velutina
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