This makes an easy opening for decay to hollow the center of wounded trees. As a result of this decay final gross board-foot volume is reduced. Probably the key identifying feature of post oak is its cross-shaped leaf. Bein alternate and simple, it usually has five lobes, is shiny green and fuzzy yellow below. Forest wildlife such as the gray and fox squirrel, raccoon, quail, deer, wild turkey and ruffed grouse make this acorn a part of their diet.
Twigs are moderatley stout, orange-tan in color.
They are wooly at first, darker and smooth later. The buds are globe to egg-shaped and wooly. The bark is light brown and divided by deep furrows and scaly ridges. Found in almost every county in the state, post oak seldom exceeds 60 feet in height. Many poor timber growing areas support stands of post and blackjack oak.