Is Blackjack Oak the Same as Black Oak?

Blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) and black oak (Quercus velutina) are two different species of trees in the beech family. Blackjack oak is native to the eastern United States, while black oak is native to the eastern and central United States. Both trees are considered to be important timber trees.

Blackjack oak is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet. Black oak is a large tree that can grow to a height of 100 feet or more.

The bark of blackjack oak is dark brown to black in color and is rough and scaly. The bark of black oak is also dark brown to black in color, but it is smooth with shallow furrows.

The leaves of blackjack oak are obovate in shape and are 3-6 inches long. The leaves of black oak are also obovate in shape, but they are 5-8 inches long.

Both types of leaves have a glossy surface and are dark green in color.

The flowers of blackjack oak are yellow-green in color and grow in clusters. The flowers of black oak are greenish-yellow in color and also grow in clusters.

The fruit of blackjack oak is an acorn that is 1-2 inches long. The fruit of black oak is also an acorn, but it is 2-3 inches long.

Both types of acorns take 18 months to mature.

Blackjack oak and black oak are both valuable timber trees. Blackjack oak is used for furniture, flooring, and firewood, while black oak is used for construction lumber, railroad ties, and firewood.