Blackjack oak
Quercus marilandica
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows 12-15 m high. It spreads 10 m wide. It is a broadly spreading oak tree. The bark is blackish and cracks into small square plates. The leaves are triangle shaped and 25 cm long by about 20 cm across. They taper to the base. There are usually 3 lobes at the top. They are dark green and glossy above and paler underneath. The male and females flowers are separate but on the same plant. The male flowers are easier to see and are yellow-green and droop. The fruit is an acorn about 2 cm long. About half of the nut is enclosed in a cup.
There are about 600 Quercus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to the eastern United States. It grows on poor, often sandy soil. It grows up to 900 m altitude in SE regions of the USA. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, North America, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The boiled acorns are used as food in times of scarcity.
It is a famine food.
Edible parts
Seeds, nut