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.
Best time to see a Black Oak
The best time to see a Black Oak is April–September, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,736 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black Oak? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black Oak sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Black Oak?
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