Post Oak, Iron oak
Quercus stellata
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows 20 m high. It is a broadly spreading oak tree. The bark is grey-brown and ridged. It is flaky. The leaves are oval and 20 cm long by 10 cm wide. They have 2 or 3 pairs of lobes. They are dark green above and grey and hairy underneath. The male and female flowers occur separately on the same plant. The male flowers are easier to see and are yellow-green in drooping catkins. The fruit is an acorn which is 3 cm long. It is about one third enclosed in a cup.
There are about 600 Quercus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to C. and E. United States. It grows in dry soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
North America, USA
How it is used for food
The acorns are pounded into a meal then cooked and eaten. The roasted nuts are used as a substitute for coffee. The wood is used for smoke flavouring in barbecue cooking.
Edible parts
Seeds, nut