Sand Post Oak (Quercus margaretta)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Fagales>Fagaceae>Quercus margaretta Ashe ex Small

Sand Post Oak (Quercus margaretta)

A characteristic understory tree of the Sandhills, most often growing on poor, dry sites. The name of this often overlooked tree is still a matter of controversy. Quercus margaretta is the original spelling of the species, but others have "corrected" the grammar to Q. margarettiae; the USDA Plants database and Flora of North America use Quercus margarettae (Ashe) Small. Sand Post Oak has also sometimes been considered a variety of Post Oak (Quercus stellata) (Q. stellata var. margaretta (Ashe ex Small) Sargent).

Moore Co., NC 7/1/07.

Sand Post Oak (Quercus margaretta)

The USDA website uses the name "runner oak" for this species, since in some parts of its range where it is more shrublike (e.g. Oklahoma) it may spread by underground runners, forming clonal colonies. Alternate common names include Dwarf Post Oak and Scrubby Post Oak.

Moore Co., NC 7/1/07.

Sand Post Oak (Quercus margaretta) flowers

Flowers appear in mid-April. These are catkins (male flowers).

Scotland Co., NC 4/18/10.

Sand Post Oak (Quercus margaretta) acorn

Acorn.

Scotland Co., NC 11/1/08.

Sand Post Oak (Quercus margaretta) bark

The bark is scalier than that of Post Oak.

Moore Co., NC 7/1/07.

Sand Post Oak (Quercus margaretta) bark

Scotland Co., NC 4/18/10.

More information:
Forestry Images
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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All photographs and text ©2010 by Will Cook unless otherwise indicated.