There are 11 types of oak trees in Alabama that offer different benefits. Blackjack, black, chesnut, laurel, live, red, overcup, scarlet, post, white, and willow oaks are all native to Alabama.
1. Blackjack Oak
The blackjack oak is a type of oak tree that is native to Alabama. This tree is characterized by its dark bark and leaves, which are black in color. The blackjack oak is a small tree, reaching a height of only 30 feet. This tree is often used as firewood due to its high density.
The blackjack oak is found in the southern part of the state, in the counties of Mobile, Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Monroe, and Washington.
This tree prefers to grow in sandy soils and is often found in open areas such as fields and roadsides. The blackjack oak is an important source of food for many wildlife species in Alabama, including deer, squirrels, and birds.
[Related Article: 6 Types Of Oak Trees In Connecticut
]
2. Black Oak
The Black Oak is one of the 11 types of oak trees found in Alabama. It is a large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a trunk that can be up to 3 feet in diameter. The leaves of the Black Oak are dark green and have a glossy sheen.
They are also deeply lobed with sharply pointed tips. The acorns of the Black Oak are dark brown and have a bitter taste.
The Black Oak is a very important tree for wildlife in Alabama. Many animals, including squirrels, deer, and bears, rely on the acorns of the Black Oak as a food source.
The wood of the Black Oak is also very valuable. It is hard and strong, making it ideal for furniture and construction.
If you are lucky enough to have a Black Oak on your property, be sure to take care of it! This tree provides many benefits to both people and wildlife and deserves to be protected.
3. Chesnut Oak
The chesnut oak is one of the 11 types of oak trees in Alabama. This type of oak is known for its large, rounded leaves that are a deep green color. The chesnut oak also has small, round acorns that are a brownish-red color.
This type of tree can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 80 feet tall!
4. Laurel Oak
The laurel oak is a type of oak tree that is native to Alabama. This tree is known for its beautiful, deep green leaves and its stately appearance. The laurel oak can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 100 feet tall.
This tree is a popular choice for landscaping and ornamental purposes due to its impressive size and striking looks.
The laurel oak is a deciduous tree, meaning that it sheds its leaves each year. The leaves of this tree are simple and Alternate, meaning that they grow on opposite sides of the stem.
The leaves are dark green in color and have a smooth texture. The margins of the leaves are serrated, or tooth-like.
The flowers of the laurel oak are small and inconspicuous. They are greenish-yellow in color and grow in clusters. The fruit of this tree is a small acorn that is brown in color with a pointed tip.
5. Live Oak
The live oak is a beautiful, stately tree that is native to Alabama. This type of oak can grow to be very large, with some specimens reaching heights of over 100 feet tall!
The live oak has a smooth, gray bark and leaves that are dark green and glossy. The live oak is a popular tree for landscaping due to its impressive size and elegant appearance.
One of the most interesting things about the live oak is that it is evergreen, meaning that it keeps its leaves all year round. Most other types of oak trees in Alabama are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.
The live oak is also a slow-growing tree, which makes it a good choice for people who want to plant an oak tree but don’t want it to get too big too quickly.
If you’re looking for an impressive, stately tree to add to your landscape, the live oak is a great option! This beautiful tree will add curb appeal to any home and will provide shade and privacy for years to come.
6. Red Oak
The red oak is a type of oak tree that is native to Alabama. This tree is characterized by its reddish-brown bark and leaves that are alternately arranged on the stem.
The leaves of the red oak are simple and lobed, with each lobe having 3-7 points. The flowers of this tree are yellowish-green and grow in clusters. The fruit of the red oak is a acorn, which is enclosed in a brown shell.
The red oak grows to a height of 40-60 feet and has a spread of 30-40 feet. This tree prefers to grow in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought and can be found growing in both upland and lowland areas.
The wood of the red oak is hard and strong, making it valuable for lumber. This tree is also an important source of food for wildlife, as the acorns are eaten by squirrels, birds, and other animals.
7. Overcup Oak
The Overcup Oak is a massive oak tree that can be found in Alabama. This type of oak is known for its large size and its ability to produce a large amount of acorns. The Overcup Oak is also known for being one of the longest-lived trees in the state of Alabama.
This type of oak can live for over 500 years!
The Overcup Oak gets its name from the way its acorns grow. The acorns of this type of oak are much larger than the average acorn, and they often grow in clusters.
This makes it easy for animals to over-harvest the nuts, which can lead to problems for the tree.
Despite its name, the Overcup Oak is not considered to be an invasive species. In fact, this type of oak is actually beneficial to the environment. The Overcup Oak provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer.
This tree is also an important source of wood for humans.
8. Scarlet Oak
The Scarlet Oak is a beautiful oak tree that is native to Alabama. This type of oak tree is known for its stunning red leaves, which make it a popular choice for landscaping. The Scarlet Oak can grow up to 60 feet tall and has a lifespan of around 100 years.
If you are looking for an oak tree that will add some color to your landscape, the Scarlet Oak is a great option. This type of oak tree is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of most soil types.
However, the Scarlet Oak does require full sun in order to thrive. If you are looking for an oak tree that will provide shade, the Scarlet Oak is not the best option.
The Scarlet Oak is a beautiful addition to any landscape and can provide years of enjoyment. If you are looking for an oak tree that is easy to care for and has stunning foliage, the Scarlet Oak is a great choice.
9. Post Oak
The post oak is a type of oak tree that is native to Alabama. These trees are typically found in the southern and central parts of the state. Post oaks are relatively small compared to other types of oak trees, and they have a distinctive pyramid-shaped canopy.
The leaves of these trees are dark green and have a wavy shape. The post oak is a popular tree for landscaping and is often used as a specimen tree.
10. White Oak
The white oak is a type of oak tree that is native to Alabama. These trees are known for their beautiful, white bark and their large, round leaves. White oaks can grow to be quite tall, reaching heights of up to 100 feet.
These trees are an important part of the ecosystem in Alabama, providing homes for many different types of wildlife. White oaks also produce acorns, which are an important food source for many animals.
11. Willow Oak
The willow oak is a type of oak tree that is native to Alabama. These trees are typically found near waterways, such as streams or rivers. Willow oaks get their name from their long, willow-like leaves.
These leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy texture. The willow oak is a deciduous tree, meaning that it loses its leaves in the fall.
The willow oak is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. These trees have a slender trunk with smooth, gray bark. The branches of the willow oak are also long and slender.
The willow oak blooms in the springtime, with small, greenish-yellow flowers. These flowers turn into acorns, which are an important food source for many animals, including squirrels, deer, and birds.
Conclusion
Each type of oak has unique benefits and attributes that make it special. I hope you have enjoyed learning about the different types of oak trees in Alabama and that you will take the time to learn more about them.
