Skip to main content

Extension

Plant Profile 
FYUSE 3D Image

Common Name: Blackjack Oak
Other Names: Blackjack
Species Name: Quercus marilandica
Plant Type: Woody
Family Name: Fagaceae, Beech Family

 
Plant Facts 
OriginNative
DurationPerennial
Distribution in the U.S.Southeastern quarter and as far north as Pennsylvania and Iowa and as far west as eastern Nebraska, Kansas and Texas
Distribution in OklahomaThroughout the state

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics

    Vegetative

    • Recognized by dead, drooping branches
    • Dark, deeply furrowed blackish bark
    • Dark green, 3-lobed, sharp-tipped leaves
    • Awns on leaves can be missing and leaf shape highly variable

    Floral

    • Acorns found along twigs before leaves; cap covers one-third of fruit
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Growth form: Tree 
    • Leaf Type: Simple 
    • Leaf Arrangement: Alternate 
    • Leaf Blade Edge: Shallow lobes
    • Leaf Blade Length: 6-13 centimeters
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Petal Number: 0
    • Flower Color: Green (catkin)
    • Flower Timing: March-April
    • Fruit Type: Acorn
 
Habitat/Ecology 
Soil TypeVariable
HabitatDry, shallow, upland soils and rocky ridges
Successional StageLate