[Illustration: FIG. 60.--Leaf and Fruit of Black Oak. (Quercus
velutina).]


BLACK OAK (_Quercus velutina_)

Distinguishing characters: The *bark* is black, rough and cut up into
firm *ridges* especially at the base of the tree, see Fig. 59. The
_inner bark_ has a _bright yellow color_: the *leaves* have _sharp
points_ and are wider at the base than at the tip as shown in Fig.
60. The buds are _large, downy_ and _sharp pointed_. The acorns are
small and have deep, scaly cups the inner margins of which are
downy. The kernels are yellow and bitter.

Form and size: The tree grows in an irregular form to large size, with
its branches rather slender as compared with the white oak and with
a more open and narrow crown.

Range: Eastern North America.

Soil and location: It will grow in poor soils but does best where the
soil is rich and well drained.

Enemies: None of importance.

Value for planting: The black oak is the poorest of the oaks for
planting and is rarely offered by nurserymen.

Commercial value: The wood is heavy, hard and strong, but checks readily