Black Oak is a large tree of dry to mesic upland forests with deeply lobed, glossy leaves and inner bark that contains a yellow dye called quercitron. It is extremely important for wildlife, supporting hundreds of caterpillar species that in turn feed nesting birds. Its acorns are smaller than red oak but still a critical mast crop for many species.
Habitat
Dry to mesic upland forests and ridges of the eastern United States
Diet
Acorns eaten by turkey, deer, squirrels, and jays; larval host for many moths
How common
Common
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