Quercus velutina
Black Oak

Mature Height: 60-150'     Longevity: 225 years

 Quercus velutina leaf. Quercus velutina art.
   

1-5 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

4-8 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
1: Only moderate drought tolerance identified, but all references indicate growth on dry upland areas.

5: Harlow & Harrar says sub-mesic is about as wet as it gets for Black Oak. Other references seem to concur.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z5 w/ minor intrusion into Z4 in WI. (SOUTH) Solid Z8.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z5 w/ enough presence in WI & MN to warrant inclusion in Z4. (SOUTH) Same as NAS.


   

5   Sun Strength

6   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
4.5 = slightly < Moderate*
0 = ???
+.6 = 3 Major & 3 Minor
0 = ???
0 = No
0 = 70'
+.1 = 150'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
5 = Intermediate
+.3 = Climax Capable
+.6 = 3 Major & 3 Minor
0 = ???
0 = No
+.1 = 70'
0 = 225 yrs

TOTAL SCORE (5.2): Quantitative & qualitative growth rates appear to be slightly less than moderate but literature is more glowing of trees growth rate; therefore moderate 4.5 assigned. Fairly fast grower for an oak but slower than Red Oak.

TOTAL SCORE (6.0): Intermediate shade strength that is equivalent to N.Red Oak. Occurrence on many soil orders boosts strength.


   

4   Fire Strength

3   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Low-Mid (Big Tree) = 3-4
Fire Effects (FEIS) database not glowing about fire tolerance although mature trees can survive low-severity fires. However, not outstanding growth rate and short life does not leave long portion of life as fire resistant mature tree. Will assign "Mid" value due to decent ratings in FEIS & Silvics Manual. Univ. Florida more glowing about fire resistance.
Final Value = 4

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Very little information. Will assign middle value.
Final Value = 3