All about the Black Oak:
Scientific Nomenclature: Quercus velutina
Common Names: black oak, Eastern black oak
Previously known as: yellow oak
Mature Height: 50–100 feet
Mature Spread: 35–60 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Attracts Wildlife: Pollinators, select moth species, birds, small mammals
Messiness: May be semi-evergreen in select locations, but leaves will turn and drop in most places in autumn. Drooping catkins bloom in spring and drop shortly after. A mast of ½ to 1-inch nearly black acorns will mature and drop every other autumn, as the acorns require 2 years to mature fully.
Shape: Rounded/Spreading
Native to Kentucky: No
Preferred Soils: Prefers sandy, acidic (<6.0pH) soils but is tolerant of other soil types as long as they are well-drained.
Screening: Not useful as a screening/ privacy tree.
Drought Tolerance: Tolerant of drought, heat, and dry soils.
Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous
Pruning: Rarely needs to be pruned, if ever. This tree often retains numerous small dead branches throughout its crown though, if those become problematic they can be removed.
Climate Quick Facts:
Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one black oak will:
- Sequester ~983 pounds of CO2.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by 223 gallons.