Black Oak, Yellow bark oak
Quercus velutina
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows up to 20 m high. The trunk is 90 cm across. It is clear up to the crown. The leaves are 10-20 cm long. There are 5-7 lobes and the base is rounded. The lobes are oblique to the midrib and have parallel sides. The leaves are shiny dark green above and yellowish-brown and rough underneath. They are hairy when young. The leaf stalks are stout and 7-15 cm long. The acorns are small and 12-20 mm long. The cup is bowl shaped and 12-24 mm across. It encloses about half the nut.
There are about 600 Quercus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to eastern North America. It grows on dry sandy soils. It also grows on steep slopes with heavy soils. It is intolerant of shade. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, Myanmar, North America, SE Asia, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The acorns are used to make flour.
Edible parts
Seeds, nut
How it is grown
Trees live for 200 years.
Its other names
Local names
Zaw-gyi