The LEAVES are [deciduous], [simple], [alternate] 6 to 8 inches long by 4 to 5 inches wide; 7-lobed, rarely 5, and each lobe 2 or 3-lobed or deeply toothed. The lobes are frequently thicker than is shown in the drawing. The leaves are smaller and more deeply [lobed] than those of the black oak. Leaves smooth except for dense tufts of pale hairs at the [axils] of the [veins] below.
The [FRUIT] is a small acorn, about ⅔ inch in diameter and ¾ to 1¼ inches long, set in a shallow saucer-like cup.
The WOOD is heavy, hard, strong, close-grained, and light reddish-brown in color, and commercially important for lumber and cross ties.
The variety shumardii has leaves with narrow lobes, a rougher, dark grayish [bark], and deeper cups to the acorns. It is the more common form in Texas.
TEXAS OAK
Quercus shumardii var. texana (Buckl.) Ashe
Texas oak is found on the dry limestone hills and ridges, and in the more fertile soils at their base, in Central and western Texas to the Edwards Plateau. It is rarely over 30 feet tall or 10 inches in diameter.
TEXAS OAK (Leaf, two-thirds natural size; [fruit], and twig, natural size)
The [BARK] is light brown, red-tinged, deeply ridged, and broken into plate-like [scales].
The LEAVES are [deciduous] 2½ to 3 inches wide, 3 to 3½ inches long; widest above the middle; divided into 5 to 7 lobes, with the [terminal] lobe 3-lobed; dark green and shiny above, pale-shiny below; [petiole] slender, about 1 inch long.