Post Oak

Post Oak

Quercus stellata

Fagaceae (Beech Family)

▲ ▼ mature trees

▲ ▼ mature trees showing crooked, irregular branching

▲ ▼ leaves

▲ ▼ leaves

▲ ▼ leaves

▲ trunk and bark

▲ trees survived 2007 ice storm in Springfield, MO with little to moderate damage

Location near Missouri State University campus: Oak Grove Park

Quercus stellata: Post Oak

  • leaves alernate, deciduous, simple, rounded and deeply lobed, with center lobes wider than lower; dark-green and rough above, lighter green underneath
  • twigs stout, gray-brown, pubescent with numerous small lenticels
  • bark similar to white oak (Quercus alba)
  • grows 40-50' tall and equally wide with irregular, crooked branches
  • acorn is small, rounded, brown, 1/2" long, covered 1/3 to 2 with thin cap
  • prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils, but grows in very dry, poor soils
  • slow growth rate
  • native to Missouri (and Springfield)