Quercus velutina (Black Oak)

A confirmed drought-tolerant generalist able to grow in almost any soil type from sand dunes to clay, black oak carries genuine ecological weight as a larval host for the Sleepy Duskywing, numerous hairstreaks, hundreds of moth species, and even the Northern Walkingstick.

Species Overview

Quercus velutina, or black oak, is a large deciduous oak of the red oak group native to eastern and central North America, typically growing 50 to 60 feet tall with a globular, spreading crown. Its bark is nearly black on mature trunks with deep furrows, contrasting with a distinctive yellow-to-orange inner bark once used as a dye source.

Application

• Versatile shade tree plantings - adaptable to almost any soil type
• Dry, acidic upland restoration
• Larval host habitat for the Sleepy Duskywing, hairstreaks, and hundreds of moth species
• Dune and sandy-soil stabilization plantings

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Versatile - sand dunes to clay soils, dry, acidic sites
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry-mesic, sun-loving red-oak-group species; not documented as flood tolerant.
• Plant Type: Tree
• Mature Height: 50-80 ft.
• Fall Color: Red
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Deep (24-36 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Some
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
• Growth Habit: Rounded
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports butterflies, supports moths

Planting Guidance

• Distinctive yellow-to-orange inner bark (from which the historical name "yellow oak" derived) helps distinguish it from similar-looking red oak; can hybridize naturally with several other red oak group species.