Plant · GBIF taxon 8879961
post oak
Quercus stellataAlso known as Iron Oak
Post oak is a slow-growing white oak with thick rough bark and leathery leaves whose rounded lobes form a crosslike outline. It survives drought, poor soil, and low-intensity fire in open woodland where its acorns feed many animals.
white oakdrought tolerantwildlife mast tree
Licensed referenceLarry D. Moore / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthesis; deep roots and mycorrhizal fungi obtain water and mineral nutrients
Predators
- oak borers
- leaf-feeding caterpillars
- browsing deer
ThreatsLand conversion, severe fire, oak decline, drought, soil compaction, and loss of open woodland management
HabitatsDry oak woodland, rocky ridges, savanna, prairie margins, sandy uplands, and field edges
Life spanOften 200 to 300 years, with some trees living longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFagaceae
- SpeciesQuercus stellata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Wild oaks and acorns have look-alikes; do not eat or ingest material based on app identification.
Responsible observation
- Leaf: Look for rounded lobes forming a cross and a hairy underside.
- Tree care: Avoid carving bark or compacting soil beneath the crown.
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