This oak produces a dense, round crown with strong spreading branches. Leaves are large and round lobed with the mid lobes considerably wider than those at the top and base of each leaf. Fall color can be a nice golden brown. The acorns are usually in pairs with no stalk, half-covered by the cap. A long lived and drought tolerant tree. Attracts squirrels, turkeys, moth and butterfly caterpillars. Red-banded hairstreak butterfly caterpillars feed on decaying sumac leaves and oak litter.

Oak species, as a group, serve as host plants for caterpillars of more than 500 different kinds of butterflies and moths. This is more than any other genus of tree. The caterpillars (larvae) feed on foliage, but without harming the trees. Oaks are vitally important in supporting nature’s web of life.

Round lobed leaves of post oak. Photo: Carol Davit.