Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
$40.00
Category: Trees | Windbreak | Wildlife | Bird Habitat | Drought Tolerant | Dry Site | Sandy Site | Urban Site | GreatPlants for the Great Plains | Mesic Site | Pollination
The Black Oak (Quercus velutina) is a hardy native shade tree best known for its deeply furrowed, nearly black bark and its ability to thrive on poor and varied soils. Often compared to Northern Red Oak in appearance, though it has smaller, darker leaves. Black Oak stands out for its ability to thrive on dry uplands, wind-swept sites, and sandy or rocky soils where other oaks may struggle.
This 2015 GreatPlants Award Winner features glossy dark green leaves with a velvety underside, turning yellow to red in fall for a bold seasonal display. Its acorns support a wealth of wildlife, including squirrels, white-tail deer, mice, voles, turkeys, and other birds, while the tree’s dense branching offers important shelter and nesting sites.
A resilient choice for urban landscapes, street or parkways, and windbreaks, Black Oak delivers beauty, ecological value, and toughness in one long-lived shade tree.
NATIVE RANGE
Larger sizes available for local customers.
Check availability here.
Additional information
| Scientific Name | Quercus velutina |
|---|---|
| Height | 60-80' |
| Spread | 40-50' |
| Shape | Pyramidal becoming rounded |
| Foliage | Glossy dark green, Green, velvety underside |
| Fall Foliage | Red |
| Native To | Eastern U.S., NE, Northern Plains States, Southern Plain States |
| Zone | 3 |
