Blackjack oak

The blackjack oak is a small oak, one of the black oak group but fairly isolated from the others. Its name derives from the shape of the leaves, which flare from a tapered base to a broad three-lobed shape with only shallow indentations. The leaves are typically dark green and glossy, but also pubescent underneath.

The acorn is small, and, like other black oaks, takes two years to mature.

The blackjack oak is successful because it is a survivor, growing in poor, thin, dry, rocky soils where few other woody plants can thrive. It does not have the beautiful form of many oaks, but is nonetheless a valuable tree for growing in problem sites.