VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Quercus stellata | Post Oak 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
Post oak is not a preferred timber species [44].  It is difficult to
grade because of insect damage, and natural pruning and growth are slow
[41].  The wood is very durable and classified as moderately to very
resistant to decay.  It is used for railroad ties, mine timbers,
flooring, siding, lathing, planks, construction timbers, and fence posts
(hence its name) [47].  Wood of Delta post oak is of better quality than
that of the typical variety, but it has a distinct yellow-tan cast which
requires separate handling as veneer.  Otherwise, Delta post oak wood
has broad utility [41].


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Post oak provides cover and habitat for birds and mammals.  Cavities
provide nest and den sites, and leaves are used for nest construction.
The acorns are an important food source for wildlife including
white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and squirrels and other rodents [47].

The tannin in leaves, buds, and acorns is toxic to sheep, cattle, and
goats [47].


PALATABILITY : 
Among 12 southeastern oak species, post oak ranked third in preference
to the fox squirrel [39].  Acorns of white oak group species are
generally more palatable than black oak group acorns [45].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Post oak acorns contain 5.2 percent crude fat, 37.9 percent total
carbohydrates, 3.8 percent total protein, 0.08 percent phosphorus, 0.25
percent calcium, and 0.06 percent magnesium [2].


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Post oak is planted for soil stabilization on dry, sloping, stony sites,
which are unsuitable for other species [47].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Post oak is used as a shade tree and its bark is used for decorative and
protective mulch in landscaping [47].



MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Post oak is susceptible to most insects and diseases that attack eastern
oak species.  Chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) attacks
post oak throughout most of its range [47].

Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), which has defoliated and killed
northeastern oak species, showed 17 percent survival in feeding trials
using post oak.  This exotic moth has been spreading southward from New
England and, if not contained, could become a problem for post oak
[34].

Hardwood competition in pine plantations and hardwood expansion into
grasslands are often controlled with herbicides.  Tebuthiuron and
Triclopyr are extremely effective on post oak in grasslands of the Cross
Timbers area of Oklahoma [48].

Related categories for Species: Quercus stellata | Post Oak