Post Oak (Iron Oak)
Quercus stellata · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Distinctly cruciform or cross-shaped, broadly 5-lobed with squared-off central lobes resembling a cross or star
Margin
Entire, smooth edges on the lobes, which are characteristically squared or truncate
Arrangement
Alternate on the twigs
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent, pale yellow-green midrib and branching lateral veins extending into the lobes
Key Features
The unmistakable cross-shaped or cruciform leaf with squared-off lobes, extremely rough and leathery leaf texture, and a hairy underside
Description
The post oak is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its rugged, gnarled appearance and exceptionally durable wood. Its most famous feature is the unique cross-shaped leaf that immediately distinguishes it from most other oaks. The bark is dark brown and deeply furrowed, and the tree produces small, oblong acorns that mature in a single season. It grows slowly, often enduring in harsh, dry sites where other trees struggle.
Habitat
Dry, sterile, upland soils, rocky ridges, and sandy uplands, thriving in full sun and well-drained acidic environments
Native Range
Native to the central and eastern United States, ranging from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas