In early times a tannin extract was used from this inner bark to tan hides. The acorn is oval and enclosed halfway in a deep cup. Although it is not the tastiest food, squirrels, raccoons, quail, deer, turkeys, wood ducks and black ducks will make it a part of their winter diet. Because black oak is so common, large volumes are harvested. Lumbermen group black oak with the other red and black oaks.
Lumber is used for crating, bridge timbers, railroad ties, flooring and rough construction.
Several species of wood borers cause serious damage to black oak trees. These worms bore into a tree and form tunnels, then fungi frequently invade these tunnels and begin to decay the live wood, causing further reduction of clear lumber. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of the Missouri Dept. of Conservation is prohibited.