Post Oak
Iron Oak, Cross Oak, Branch Oak, Rough Oak, Box Oak
Quercus stellata Wang.
Whole plant
Family : Fagaceae
Longevity : Perennial
Origin : Native
Season : Cool
Post Oak can be found growing in sandy,gravelly or clay soils of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. This tree can reach a height of 75 feet. The leaves are 4 to 7 inches long, 3 to 4 inches wide, and the margin has five lobes. Post Oak blooms from March to May and has acorns from September to November. The acorns each have a cap covering one third to one half of its length and measure 1/2 to 3/4 inch in length. Post Oak leaves are eaten by white-tailed deer and livestock and the acorns are eaten by white-tailed deer, small mammals, and some birds. However, tannic acid poisoning may be a problem if eaten by cattle and can cause emaciation, edema, and mucous and/or blood in the feces. The wood is used for railroad crossties, furniture, lumber, fence posts and fuel.
