What Does a Blackjack Oak Look Like?

The blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) is a small to medium-sized oak in the red oak group. It is native to the eastern and central United States, from Maine and southern Ontario south to northern Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma.

The blackjack oak is a deciduous tree with a short, stout trunk and spreading crown. It typically grows 20-35 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of 12-24 inches. The leaves are 3-6 inches long and 2-4 inches wide, with 5-9 rounded lobes.

They are dark green on the top side and rusty brown on the bottom, with a hairy texture. The acorns are small, about ¼ inch long, with a scaly cup that covers ½ of the nut.

The blackjack oak is an important tree in the forest ecosystem. It provides food and shelter for many animals, including deer, squirrels, birds, and insects. The acorns are an important food source for wildlife in the fall and winter months.

The tree also provides nesting sites for birds. The wood of the blackjack oak is hard and dense, making it good for fuelwood and construction lumber.

The blackjack oak is a common tree in forest ecosystems across the eastern United States. If you are out hiking or camping in these areas, you are likely to see this tree!.