All About the Post Oak:
Scientific Nomenclature: Quercus stellata
Common Names: post oak, iron oak
Mature Height: 40–50 feet
Mature Spread: 35–50 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Attracts Wildlife: Pollinators, select moth species, birds and small mammals
Messiness: Leaves drop in autumn, though some may persist into winter. Brown, egg-shaped acorns roughly ½ to ¾ of an inch long will mature and drop in autumns. Acorns of post oaks require only one growing season to develop while other oak species may need multiple years for their acorns to mature.
Shape: Spreading, irregular, rounded
Native to Kentucky: Yes
Preferred Soils: Post oaks tolerate various soil types, including clay, loam, sand, and shallow rocky soils. They prefer acidic (<6.0pH) well-drained soils, though they are tolerant of neutral (6.0–8.0pH) soils and soils that are occasionally dry.
Screening: Not planted as a screening or privacy tree.
Drought Tolerance: Is drought and fire resistant.
Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous
Pruning: Rarely needs pruning other than removing deadwood and damaged branches to keep the tree healthy.
Climate Quick Facts:
Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one post oak will:
- Sequester ~381 pounds of CO2.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by 230 gallons.