Post Oak
The Post Oak tree, Quercus stellata, is a small to medium-sized tree. The bark of the Post Oak is similar to that of the White Oak, but somewhat darker and often fissured into scaly ridges. The leaves of Post Oak trees are usually 4 to 5 inches long and they are thick and somewhat leathery. They are dark green and shiny on the upper surface and lighter green and rough hairy beneath. The Post Oak commonly is associated with the Blackjack Oak. The Post Oak usually grows in dry, sandy to rocky soils. The wood is hard and strong, and is very durable when in contact with soil. Its use is mainly for posts, railroad ties, mine props, and sometimes as fuel. In fact, the Post Oak sometimes is called the Box White Oak. Acorns are 1/2 to 2/3 inches long and ovoid in shape. The acorns matures in one year, ripening September to November. The leaves turn to a golden color in the fall. ... details
Box Elder Maple The Box Elder Maple tree, Acer negundo, is also commonly known as ashleaf maple, Manitoba maple, box-elder maple, and western box-elder. This deciduous maple tree is a small-to-medium-sized tree, reaching heights of 50 to 75 feet, with a trunk diameter up to 4 feet. The trunk is relatively short and tapering, and the crown is spreading and bushy. It has a thick trunk and upright branching habit, but is more often seen as a smaller tree with cane-like, bright green branches. Box Elder trees are fast growing and tolerate poor conditions. These shade trees have brittle wood. Boxelder bugs eat seeds on female trees. Although it grows best on moist soils, box-elder is drought and cold resistant. It can also tolerate flooding for extended periods (up to a month). The seeds are a source of food for birds and mammals, and are important because they stay on the tree through winter, when other food resources are scarce.
