Black Oak
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Black Oak
Quercus velutina
This is a large tree, sometimes growing more than 100 feet in height.The thick,
nearly black bark is marked with deep furrows and irregularly broken ridges.
The characteristic inner bark is bright yellow to orange, hence the alternate
common name. This tree grows on dry uplands, slopes and ridges. The wood,
while hard and strong is not tough, checks while drying and generally is inferior
to that of the Red Oak. Still, it is used in much the same ways. Historically,
the inner bark was important for its tannin and as a source of yellow dye.
The bitter acorn is inedible.Tree Size height 60' - 80' diameter 2' - 3'
BlackJack Oak
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Blackjack Oak
Quercus marilandica
The Blackjack Oak is small compared to other oaks. Its thick, black bark is
deeply divided into rough, nearly square plates. It grows on dry, sandy to
clay, upland soils and can be found with other oaks and with pines. The specimen
from which this species originally was described was found in the colony of
Maryland, hence the specific Latin name, marilandica.Although the wood of
this tree is hard and strong, it is of little commercial value. Sometimes
it is used for rough construction, railroad ties, and for fuel.
Chesnut Oak
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Chestnut Oak
Quercus prinus
The characteristic bark is dark and very rough. On older trees it typically
is broken into long, V-shaped ridges that are separated by deep furrows. The
tree grows on dry, rocky ridges and slopes. The wood is strong and durable,
and mainly used for general construction and fuel.The bark has greater tannin
content than most other oaks, and was extensively used in the leather tanning
trade. The acorns are an important source of food for various forms of wildlife.
Chinquapin Oak
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Chinquapin Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii
The light gray or silvery-white bark of this tree resembles that of the White
Oak. The tree grows well on the rich soils of bottomlands, but it also is
found on drier hillsides. The strong, durable wood is used for railroad ties,
fuel and construction lumber. Its inclination to check badly during drying,
however, makes it of little value for cabinetry and better furniture. Reportedly
the acorns are "sweeter" than those of any other oak.
Pin Oak
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Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
The mature tree is distinctive from a distance with its ascending upper branches,
horizontal middle branches, and drooping lower branches. The round acorns
are the smallest of Ohio's oak trees. The Pin Oak grows in wet, often poorly
drained soils of bottomlands and swamps. The strong, close-grained woods warps
and checks badly in drying and has limited uses. Various wildlife, including
Wood Ducks, feed on the acorns.
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Post Oak
Quercus stellata
This is a small to medium-sized tree, somewhat larger than the Blackjack Oak,
but generally not as large as the tallest species of oaks. The Post Oak commonly
is associated with the Blackjack Oak. The Post Oak usually grows in dry, sandy
to rocky soils. Also, however, it is found growing in moist soils of flood
plains along streams. The wood is hard and strong, and is very durable when
in contact with soil. Its use is mainly for posts, railroad ties, mine props,
and sometimes as fuel. Larger trees sometimes are cut into lumber that is
sold as White Oak. In fact, the Post Oak sometimes is called the Box White
Oak.
Red Oak
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Red Oak
Quercus rubra
The bark darkens and roughens near the base of older trees, while becoming
fissured with broad, grayish ridges on the upper trunk. The tree grows on
rich, well-drained soils. The wood is similar to that of the White Oak, and
although more porous and less resistant to decay, is used extensively used
in construction and interior work. The Red Oak grows more rapidly than most
oaks and is useful for planting in residential areas. The acorns are not as
tasty as those of the White Oak, but many kinds of wildlife feed on them.
