The Black Oak tree, also known as Quercus Velutina, originates from Eastern and North America. Once called the Yellow Oak due to pigment in its inner bark. Black Oak trees were discovered as far back as the 1800’s. The Black Oak is easily identifiable due to it’s bark and leaves. The bark is blackish/brownish grey and the leaves are green with lobes that have bristles on top. Black Oaks generally grow 80-100 feet tall and are usually found upland, on slopes an in hilly regions. Black Oaks thrive in moderate climates and moist areas that drain well. Black Oaks can adapt well to different types of soils.

Black Oak trees produce acorns, which are a food source for squirrels, mice, voles, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. Due to Black Oaks reproducing through wind pollination, their acorns can be replanted and reproduce.The Black Oak reproduces through its acorns.  The acorns germinate and eventually grow more trees.      The acorns are dispersed throughout the environment by rats and squirrels who will bury them throughout the forest or woods.

Due to Black Oaks reproducing through wind pollination, their acorns can be replanted and reproduce. Black Oaks aren’t extinct at this time, but they are becoming sparse.  There are many variables as to why this is the case, which include animals damaging the tree, being susceptible to diseases, and pollution; even though most black tree’s can stand moderate fire damage, wildfires are what kills and/or damages many Black Oaks.  Canker forming bark diseases, oak wilt, root rot, and oak blister are only a few problems that pose threats to the Black Oak.  Anthracnose, leaf blister, leaf spots, powdery mildews, and oak pine rusts are all specifies that can affect the Black Oak tree.