Photo of Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

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Photographer & Copyright

© Reuven Martin

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Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 2 plant ID/comparison guides:

Bear Oak (Quercus ilicifolia) vs. Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

Updated October 1st, 2020

These species are easily confused. Black oak has a much broader range of habitat preferences, but can overlap with bear oak both in dry, sandy coastal areas and more barren upland sites, and when it does, it tends to exhibit morphological changes that make it look more similar. The species are easily distinguished by differences in leaf shape, pubescence on leaves and buds, and growth habit. Acorns are similar but can be distinguished by how much of the nut the cap covers, and whether or not the scales of the cap are loose.

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Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) vs. Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

Updated November 20th, 2019

Black oak is more variable than scarlet oak. Some trees, especially young trees growing in shade, are easily identifiable as black oak, but others can be difficult to distinguish. Mature trees have similar bark. In identifications it is easier to exclude scarlet oak than black oak; black oaks can have pubescence on twigs and petioles. Acorns look similar but can be distinguished by the presence or absence of rings of pits, and the looseness of cap scales. A close view of the buds can also usually distinguish them.

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