Post Oak
Quercus stellata · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species, no specific cultivar identified
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown, sturdy irregular branches, and a reputation for extreme durability and resistance to harsh conditions. The bark and wood are exceptionally tough.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves measuring 4 to 8 inches long, uniquely cross-shaped or 5-lobed with a distinctive squared-off central lobe resembling a cross. Dark green above, pale and pubescent underneath.
Bark Characteristics
Rough, dark brown to gray bark with deep furrowing and scaly ridges that break into rectangular blocks, making it highly identifiable.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central United States, native from Massachusetts west to Nebraska, and south to Texas and Florida.
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, produces inconspicuous flowers in spring with acorns maturing by autumn, dropping leaves in late autumn or holding them into winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun. Highly drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soils, struggling with prolonged soggy conditions.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 40 to 50 feet in height with an equal or greater spread, growing at a slow rate with a long lifespan.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its heavy, durable wood (hence 'post' oak, historically used for fence posts), exceptional drought tolerance, and resistance to urban pollution.
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports numerous species of wildlife, providing acorns for deer, turkey, and squirrels, and serving as an important host plant for various caterpillars and insects.