Black oak

The Black Oak is a species of oak tree known by the scientific name Quercus velutina. It is a large to medium sized tree growing in the eastern half of North America. It can live in a wide variety of soils including moist soils rich with clay or soft, sandy, dry soils. The black oak requires ample amounts of sunlight to live and thrives best in a moderate climate. This tree can live for over 200 years and can surpass 100 feet in height. The bark is unique in appearance not only in having irregular furrows which break into brick like patterns, but also in having a yellowish orange inner bark which can be used to make yellow dye. As a result of this oddly colored inner bark, it has earned a few alternative names such as the Yellow Oak or the Yellowbark oak. The Black Oak has several commercial uses including construction and food goods, but it is seldom used for decoration.

Anatomy
The black oak is a moderately sized tree that usually grows to about 60-80 ft. but some have been found reaching over 100 feet in height. It has a wide spreading round crown and that can reach out for 40-50 feet. The trunk of this tree can grow to have a diameter of about 2-3 feet. The outer bark is a dark gray, almost black in color, and it becomes darker as the tree matures. The dark bark is marked by deep furrows and is irregularly broken into block. The inner bark is a rich yellow or orange color, providing the black oak with its alternative name, the yellow oak. The yellow inner bark is a source of tannin and a yellow dye called quercitron. The Black Oak's pinnate leaves range between 4-10 inches long and 3-6 inches wide. These ovate leaves usually have only five bristle-tipped lobes but may possess up to seven. The topside of the leaf is a dark, shiny green, with the underside being pale yellow-green and possessing small tufts of brown epidermal hairs which give it a velvety texture. During the winter these leaves will either turn an orange-red color or brown before falling off. The leaves may not fall until mid winter or even until the next spring.

Reproduction
Black Oaks begin reproduction once the plant has reached the age of 20. They are monoecious, meaning they have the stamens (the pollen bearing male organ) and the pistils (the seed bearing female organ) in separate flowers on the same plant. The wind will transfer the pollen from the male flower to the red catkins, the female flowers. Once fertilization occurs the tree may produce its seeds. The seed takes the form of an acorn; these acorns may come in clusters of 3 or 5, but may also occur singly. The scaly acorn cap covers one-third of the entire acorn. The acorn appears green before ripening and brown once it's reached maturity; this may take up to 2 years. After the acorns fall from their branches, germination may begin the following spring. Growth takes place underground where an acorn may have been buried and forgotten by an animal. Any acorns left above ground usually dry out during spring or are eaten. The seed will first grow its roots, which developed quite rapidly following germination. Light is crucial for this plant's survival. If the seedling does not receive enough light it is sure to die; excessive shade will kill a seedling faster than a drought. Due to poor conditions, a sprout may die and buds near the root collar may produce new sprouts. This may occur several times before the tree begins to successfully developed. 

Ecology
Black Oaks can be found all along the eastern half of the United States and parts of Canada; this area reaches from eastern Texas all the way to southern Maine. The growth of these trees will vary depending on which state they are in and how well each location suits their growing needs. They typically grow best in states with a moderate climate. They are fairly tolerant when it comes to soil types since they are able to live in either sandy soil or soil with a high deposit of clay. Black Oaks are generally found growing on slopes and uplands rather than flat ground. They can be found growing in elevations as high 1200 m (4,000 ft) in the southern Appalachians. Black Oaks can provide a home for a variety of birds including woodpeckers, crows, owls, and many more. Squirrels have also been found making nests out of these great trees. Squirrels also share the black oak as a food source with deer, mice, turkeys, and other birds. Most animals feed on their acorns, but some enjoy eating the black oak's catkins.

Uses
The Black Oak has several other uses other than providing homes for animals. Its lumber is used for construction and building such things as furniture and fences. The wood can also be used for fuel. Though the wood is strong, it is not as strong as that of the northern Red Oak's (Quercus rubra) wood. The yellow inner bark can also be used in making yellow dye or acidic tannin which is used in tanning leather, but it can sometimes leave an undesired yellowish stain. The acorns are harvested and sold as food. Native Americans thought that the black oak could cure illnesses including fevers, chills, respiratory problems, indigestion, sore eyes, and more. They were also used it to induce vomiting when needed.