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Quercus stellata (Post Oak)

Post Oak, Iron Oak, Post White Oak

Quercus stellata, Post Oak, Iron Oak, Post White Oak, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree

Slow-growing and long-lived, Quercus stellata (Post Oak) is a medium-sized deciduous tree of pyramidal habit in youth, becoming rounded with spreading branches with age. The foliage of rough, leathery, dark green leaves, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), has 3-5 rounded lobes and turns, on occasion, golden brown in the fall. The trunk is gray to light reddish-brown. Inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring as the leaves emerge. Its egg-shaped acorns, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), are a valuable source of food for small mammals and birds, but it may take up to 25 years for this tree to bear a first crop. Difficult to transplant, Post Oak is extremely adaptable. It makes a lovely shade and specimen tree.

  • Grows up to 35-50 ft. tall and wide (10-15 m).
  • A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions from poor dry sandy soils to moist heavy loams. Drought tolerant.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, oak gall wasps and powdery mildews.
  • Toxic to horses.
  • Native to the eastern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fagaceae
Genus Quercus
Common names Iron Oak, Oak, Post Oak
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 35' - 50'
(10.7m - 15.2m)
Spread 35' - 50'
(10.7m - 15.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Midwest, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Quercus douglasii (Blue Oak)
Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon Live Oak)
Quercus myrtifolia (Myrtle Oak)
Quercus velutina (Black Oak)
Quercus laurifolia (Laurel Oak)
Quercus phellos (Willow Oak)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
Green Canopy, Better World: Exploring the Benefits of Trees
Trees that Invite Wildlife to Your Garden
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Quercus (Oak) – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Grow Your Own Oak Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Acorns
8 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Plant an Oak Tree
Native Oak Trees: A Must-Have for Your Landscape
Native Plant Alternatives to Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fagaceae
Genus Quercus
Common names Iron Oak, Oak, Post Oak
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 35' - 50'
(10.7m - 15.2m)
Spread 35' - 50'
(10.7m - 15.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Midwest, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Quercus (Oak)
Not sure which Quercus (Oak) to pick?
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