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A Walk in Fern Bluff Park Page 8: Blackjack Oak (Quercus marilandica) Archives of previous walks in the park: 12 May 2007, 05 May 2007; 28 April 2007, 21 April 2007, 14 April 2007, 1 April 2007 Easter Egg Hunt; 24 March 2007, 17 March 2007; Nov. 03, 2001; April 04, 2001; March 25, 15, 10-11, 04, 2001; February 24, 18, 10, 2001 |
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Archives of previous walks in the park: 12 May 2007, 05 May 2007; 28 April 2007, 21 April 2007, 14 April 2007, 1 April 2007 Easter Egg Hunt; 24 March 2007, 17 March 2007; Nov. 03, 2001; April 04, 2001; March 25, 15, 10-11, 04, 2001; February 24, 18, 10, 2001
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The leaves presented
in these photos (all from the same tree), and especially the extremely
long catkins in the photo at lower left, make a strong case for
identifying this tree as Quercus marilandica, better known as
the Blackjack Oak. This is on the authority of Monique
Reed, Herbarium Botanist for Texas A&M University. As a
part-time farm boy who spent several formative years in the Ozarks
climbing and cursing the scrubby Blackjacks of that region, I must now
give this species a modicum of added respect. None of the Blackjacks in
that area grew far beyond the sapling stage before showing some signs of
disease. Their stunted growth, gnarled and unsightly limbs, and generally
unkempt appearance made them s target of derision. But not this specimen
in Fern Bluff Park. Its checkered black bark feels like sculpted iron.
Each limb is perfect in form. It stands next to the trail looking the part
of a proud and undaunted sentry- the way every oak should look.
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