Cherrybark Oak is fairly common large tree of bottomland forests, easily confused with the upland Southern Red Oak (Q. falcata), of which it was formerly considered a variety (pagodifolia).

Durham Co., NC 5/3/08.

The leaves of Cherrybark Oak generally have V-shaped (cuneate) bases, uniformly-shaped lobes, and short, broad, uncurved tips. Those of S. Red Oak generally have rounded (U-shaped) bases, irregularly-shaped lobes, and long, thin, curving tips.

Shade leaves are blockier, more variable, and more difficult to tell apart from Southern Red Oak or Black Oak (Q. velutina).

Bark of a medium-sized tree. The bark tends to be less rough than that of S. Red Oak and slightly resembles that of Black Cherry - it starts off smooth, then breaks into scaly ridges.

Falls Lake, Granville Co., NC 4/27/03.

Bark of a large tree.

Durham Co., NC 12/4/05.

Shape of the same large tree.

Durham Co., NC 12/4/05.