Blackjack oak is a small, often scrubby tree with thick, leathery leaves that have three broad lobes and a bell-shaped base. The bark is dark and blocky. It is typical of dry, fire-prone sites.
Habitat and range
In Maryland, blackjack oak grows on dry ridges, sandy or rocky soils, and in barrens and open woodlands. It is common on the coastal plain and in piedmont areas with poor, acidic soils.
Uses and significance
The wood is used for fuel and charcoal. Blackjack oak is an important component of xeric woodlands and barrens and provides cover and acorns for wildlife in challenging sites where few other trees thrive.