The [deciduous] LEAVES are usually 4 to 5 inches long and nearly as broad, deeply five-lobed with broad rounded divisions, the lobes broadest at the ends. They are thick and somewhat leathery, dark green and shiny on the upper surface, lighter green and rough hairy beneath.
POST OAK (Leaf and twig, one-third natural size; [fruit], one-fourth natural size)
The FLOWERS, like those of the other oaks, are of two kinds on the same tree, the male in drooping clustered [catkins], the female inconspicuous. The [FRUIT], an [oval] acorn ½ to 1 inch long, is set in a rather small cup which has thin [scales] and may or may not be stalked. The fruit matures in one season.
The WOOD is heavy, hard, close-grained, light to dark brown, and durable in contact with the soil. It is used for crossties and fence posts, and occasionally for furniture and lumber.
Aside from the typical form, two varieties are found in the state. The variety margaretta (Ashe) Sarg. is the common post oak of eastern Texas.
BUR OAK (Mossy-Cup Oak)
Quercus macrocarpa Michx.
Bur oak occurs throughout the eastern part of the state and as far west as Callahan and Menard Counties, in rich bottomlands along streams, or on rich hillsides along spring-fed rivers. The name alludes to the fringe around the cup of the acorn, which is sometimes large. The tree usually has a broad top of heavy spreading branches and a relatively short body. In maturity it attains a diameter of 5 feet or more and a height of over 80 feet.
The branches frequently have conspicuous corky ridges after the second year.
