Black Oak
Quercus velutina
Also listed as Quercus discolor, Quercus leiodermis
Also known as Eastern Black Oak, Quercitron Oak, Yellow Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A large deciduous oak native to eastern North America, valued for its dark, deeply lobed leaves that turn rich burgundy-red in fall. It grows vigorously in full sun and is tolerant of various soil conditions once established.
Why grow it
Black oak grows more rapidly than many eastern oak species and develops stronger fall color than related species like red oak or pin oak, making it useful where quick canopy establishment is desired. It tolerates poor and compacted soils better than most oaks once established, which can simplify site preparation on degraded land. The dense canopy and acorn production support wildlife, though acorn yield varies by year and site.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent watering during establishment, as drought stress can slow growth and make them more susceptible to pests like oak gall wasps. The bark collects dust and can look dull in polluted or very dry environments, requiring occasional consideration in maintenance planning. Like most oaks, it is slow to mature and may not produce significant acorn crops for 15-20 years.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A large deciduous oak native to eastern North America, valued for its dark, deeply lobed leaves that turn rich burgundy-red in fall. It grows vigorously in full sun and is tolerant of various soil conditions once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Black Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Black oak grows more rapidly than many eastern oak species and develops stronger fall color than related species like red oak or pin oak, making it useful where quick canopy establishment is desired. It tolerates poor and compacted soils better than most oaks once established, which can simplify site preparation on degraded land. The dense canopy and acorn production support wildlife, though acorn yield varies by year and site.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent watering during establishment, as drought stress can slow growth and make them more susceptible to pests like oak gall wasps. The bark collects dust and can look dull in polluted or very dry environments, requiring occasional consideration in maintenance planning. Like most oaks, it is slow to mature and may not produce significant acorn crops for 15-20 years.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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