Plant Description
The Black Oak, native to New Jersey, is a deciduous tree that typically grows 50 to 80 feet tall with a variable spread. Its large, spreading branches form an open, often irregular crown. In spring, male catkins emerge just before or alongside the appearance of new leaves. Its thick, glossy, pointed-lobed leaves turn vibrant shades of orange or red in the fall, adding seasonal beauty to woodlands and landscapes (Jersey-Friendly Yards).
One of the tree’s most distinctive features is its yellow or orange inner bark, historically used as a source of tannin and a yellow dye called quercitron. To produce the dye, the bark was peeled, dried, pounded into powder, and sifted to extract the pigment (Britannica). New Jersey is home to the notable Brearley Oak, a champion Black Oak in Lawrence Township that is estimated to be 270 years old, with a trunk circumference of 20 feet, a height of 98 feet, and a crown spread of 128 feet (Louis Dallara Photography).
Black Oaks thrive in diverse soil conditions, including dry, sandy soils or heavy clay hillsides, making them versatile additions to local ecosystems. The acorns they produce serve as an essential food source for birds and wildlife, while their foliage supports numerous insects that are crucial for bird populations (Jersey-Friendly Yards).
