Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda)

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Cherrybark Oak is fairly common large tree of bottomland forests, similar to the upland Southern Red Oak (Q. falcata), of which it was formerly considered a variety (pagodifolia).

The name pagoda refers to the regularly tiered shape of the leaves, reminiscent of the shape of a pagoda.

Durham Co., NC 9/6/08.
Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda)

The leaves of Cherrybark Oak generally have V-shaped (cuneate) bases, uniformly-shaped lobes, and short, broad, uncurved tips. Those of Southern Red Oak generally have rounded (U-shaped) bases, irregularly-shaped lobes, and long, thin, curving (falcate) tips.

Durham Co., NC 5/3/08.
Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda)
Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda)

Shade leaves are blockier, more variable, and more difficult to tell apart from Southern Red Oak or Black Oak (Q. velutina).
Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda)

Revised 9/9/08 cwcook@duke.edu

All photographs and text ©2008 by Will Cook unless otherwise indicated.