Mapleleaf Oak

Growth habit

Tree

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Arkansas

Source of plant

Woodlanders Inc., Dawes Arboretum, Dawes Arboretum

Description

Maple-leaf oak is a rare species that is only known to grow in the wild in a few upland forest areas in the Ouachita mountains of west central Arkansas. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree of the Red Oak group. In the wild, it appears in both multi-stemmed shrub and single trunk tree versions, typically reaching no more than 50' in height at maturity. Insignificant yellowish green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in early spring as the leaves emrege. Fruits are oval acorns (to 3/4" long) which are about 40% smaller than Q. shumardii. Broad, dark green, sugar maple-like leaves (2.5-5.5" long and 4-6" wide) are deeply cut into 5-7 spiny-tipped lobes. Grayish bark is smooth in early years, but acquires dark ridging on the trunk with age. Leaves generally produce good red fall color.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5