SOUTHERN RED OAK
Quercus falcata Michx.
Southern red oak, commonly known as red oak and formerly as Spanish oak, usually reaches a height of 80 feet and diameter of 3 feet, although larger trees are found. It grows on dry hills in the eastern part of the state to the Brazos River, while three varieties are found in richer, more moist locations. Its large spreading branches form a broad, round, open top. The [BARK] is rough, not deeply furrowed, and varies from light gray on younger trees to dark gray or almost black on older ones.
SOUTHERN RED OAK (Leaf and [fruit], one-third natural size; twig, one-half natural size)
The LEAVES are [deciduous], with pear-shaped or irregular, rounded or narrow bristle-tipped lobes, the central lobe often longest. Variety pagodaefolia Ell., (Cherrybark Oak) has more numerous lobes. All leaves have brown or gray down beneath.
The staminate FLOWERS appear as [catkins] 3-5 inches long in April while the leaves unfold. The [FRUIT] ripens the second year. The small, rounded, ½ inch long acorn is set in a thin saucer-shaped cup that tapers to a short stalk.
The WOOD is heavy, hard, strong, coarse-grained, and valuable for lumber. The [bark] is rich in tannin. The tree is also desirable for shade and ornamental use.
BLACKJACK OAK
Quercus marilandica Muenchh.
The occurrence of blackjack oak is said to indicate poor soil since it often occurs on dry or poorly drained, gravelly, clay, or sandy upland soils where few other forest trees thrive. This perhaps accounts chiefly for its slow rate of growth. It is found in those parts of the state that support a natural tree growth, as far west as Callahan County. The tree sometimes reaches a height of 50 or 60 feet and a diameter of 16 inches, but it is usually much smaller. Its hard, stiff, drooping branches form a dense [crown] which usually contains many [persistent] dead twigs.
The [BARK] is rough, very dark, often nearly black, and “blocky”; inner bark bright orange or yellow.