A common, widespread, and often misidentified overstory tree. Leaves are highly variable and can resemble those of many other species, especially N. Red Oak (shade leaves) and S. Red Oak (sun leaves).

At left is a typical shade leaf. Sun leaves are quite different, very deeply lobed. Black Oak leaves can be told from those of other species by their pubescence beneath that easily rubs off. N. Red has pubescence only in vein axils and S. Red has dense pubescence that doesn't rub off easily.

Durham Co., NC 9/10/02.

The buds are squarish and pubescent.

Orange Co., NC 10/15/06.

Mature acorns. The cups come about halfway down the acorn; the edges are scaly. Note also the scruffy pubescence of the leaf underside.

Orange Co., NC 10/15/06.

The bark is rough and blackish, without the white vertical stripes of smoother bark found in N. Red Oak and Shumard Oak.

Durham Co., NC 9/10/02.

Orange Co., NC 10/15/06.