Species post oak
lime-green leaves with yellow veins and light-brown stems

post oak

Quercus stellata

Post oak (Quercus stellata) is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It commonly reaches heights in excess of 15 m and typically has a short, squat trunk. The dark-green, deeply lobed leaves are fuzzy underneath and measure up to 15 cm in length. Post oak produces inconspicuous male and female flowers in spring, followed by small, round, edible acorns. The bark of post oak is light brown and deeply furrowed and the wood is dense and durable, making it useful for timber and fuel. This species is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions but prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and full sun.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Yellowish-green Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Low

watering

Post oak trees should be watered twice a month during the summer growing season from April to October. Make sure to water the trees deeply, soaking the root system. Apply 10 to 15 gallons of water for each 1-inch diameter of the trunk to ensure proper irrigation. Water the tree in the morning to help the tree absorb the water and minimize fungal issues associated with the damp environment. During periods of extended drought, water your post oak trees once a week. Do not water the tree during the winter months, as post oaks are drought tolerant and do not require supplemental water during the winter.

sunlight

Post oak (Quercus stellata) is a native tree species of the eastern United States and is best grown in full sun or light shade. It requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive and should be planted in areas where it receives full sun during the morning and late afternoon/early evening hours. This tree should also be planted in a location that is sheltered from strong winds, to prevent damage to its leaves. In the summer months, the tree should be protected from hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorching. In the winter months, the tree will benefit from extended full sun, as this can help to revitalize the foliage.

pruning

Post oaks should be pruned every 3 to 5 years. Prune back dead or dying branches and young shoots that are growing in the wrong direction. This will help the tree to maintain a healthy structure and a well-shaped canopy. When pruning post oak trees, avoid cutting large branches and never remove more than 1-third of the canopy in any season. Cut damaged branches back to a healthy bud, and avoid leaving stubs, as these can open the tree to infection. Prune back crossing, intersecting, and rubbing branches to remove excess weight from heavily laden limbs. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Post oak typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map