Species
LC
Quercus phellos
Known Hybrids (8)
Q. × capesii
(with Q. nigra)
Q. × rudkinii
(with Q. marilandica)
Q. × filialis
(with Q. velutina)
Q. × giffordii
(with Q. ilicifolia)
Q. × heterophylla
(with Q. rubra)
Q. × moultonensis
(with Q. shumardii)
Q. × ludoviciana
(with Q. pagoda)
Q. × subimbricaria
(with Q. imbricaria)
Synonyms (1)
salicifolia hort. non Née
Data from Oak Compendium
Additional Information
Field Notes:
I am forming a theory that these can be reliable separated by the following:
- Twig color - phellos - gray; nigra brown – this can be tough
- Midrid and twig end color - nigra can sometimes (often?) be red, phellos not
- Leaves - while nigra can have totally linear leaves with an acute tip, there will always? be at least some sign on one of the leaves of lobing, even if only a swelling. This only works if there are enough leaves seen in the photo(s).
The distal lobing is indicative of Q nigra. Q phellos can have lobing but in my experience and research I believe it will never be distal, only proximal from the midpoint. Another point for Q nigra is that Q phellos does not have the severely constricted proximal portion of the leaf as seen on some of these leaves, towards the upper left in the photo.
Fire Effects Information System
Flora of North America
USDA Plants Database
Wikipedia