"Blackjack Oak grows in the eastern third of the state (Texas) on acid sands, sandy loams, and clays. It grows to more than 50 feet tall and has distinctive large, three-lobed leaves that are club-shaped. It inhabits similar sites as Post Oak, Q. stellata, and is often considered an indicator of sandy, barren soils. It is drought tolerant, has dark green leaves and pleasing brown fall color, but it is very slow growing and intolerant of poorly draining or compacted soils. West of where the typical Blackjack Oak is found is a more xeric version that grows on sand or gravelly clay that is only slightly acidic."

This deciduous, small tree (height: more than fifty feet; width: fifteen to forty feet) likes full sun, tolerates high temperatures, requires minumal moisture and is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone: 6.

The tree ranges from Maine to Florida and Texas to Nebraska.

Hanging male catkins, two to five inches long, appear in the spring. The female flower is small and either single or paired.

The acorn is a light brown, nut about 3/4 inch long. It is often often striated; the hairy cap covers about half of the nut. Alternate, simple leaves, 5 to 8 inches long, are shiny green on top with a paler lower surface. Leaves are thick and have three bristle-tipped lobes near the end. Acorn courtesy of Steve Hurst @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

The Natural History Museum reports Quercus marilandica as a host for the following butterfly species:

Erynnis horatius
Erynnis juvenalis

Fixsenia favonius
Parrhasius m-album

The Natural History Museum reports Quercus marilandica as a host for the following Saturniidae species:

Anisota peigleri
Anisota stigma
Anisota virginiensis
Automeris cecrops
Hemileuca grotei

Tree information is from Aggie Horticulture

This page designed and maintained by Bill Oehlke as an extension of the

World's Largest Saturniidae Site, a private worldwide silkmoth site,

Caterpillars Too!, a private North American butterfly site featuring images of caterpillars,

Sphingidae of the Americas, a free public access site with pictures and information about the Sphingidae (Hawkmoths) of the Americas.

North American Catocala, a free public access site with pictures and information about the Catocala (Underwing moths) of Canada and the United States.

Use your browser "Back" button to return to the previous page.