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Cressler, Alan

Quercus margaretta

Quercus margaretta (Ashe) Small

Sand Post Oak, Runner Oak, Drummond Post Oak, Dwarf Post Oak, Scrubby Post Oak

Fagaceae (Beech Family)

Synonym(s): Quercus drummondii, Quercus margarettae, Quercus stellata var. araniosa, Quercus stellata var. margarettae

USDA Symbol: QUMA13

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Shrub or small tree, occasionally rhizomatous, slow growing with dense rounded crown, normally grows to 35 feet, occasionally to 100 feet. BARK: light gray, shallow fissures with scaly ridges. TWIGS and BUDS: smooth slender gray twigs; reddish-brown terminal bud, ovoid with pointed apex, smooth or sparsely pubescent. LEAVES: short petiole 1/8 - 3/8 inch (3 - 10 mm) long; leaf blade cruciform in outline, 1 1/2 - 3 inches (38 - 76 mm) long, 3/4 - 1 1/2 inches (19 - 38 mm) wide; moderate to deep 5-lobed margin, base cuneate to rounded, apex broadly rounded, lobes rounded; shiny dark green above, light green and densely pubescent below.

Sand post oak provides a suitable habitat for wildlife species. Acorns provide food for turkeys and other game birds. The largest known sand post oak grows in Florida Caverns State Park near Marianna, Jackson County, Florida.