Post Oak
Quercus stellata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quercus stellata (Post Oak) is a drought-tolerant native tree found across the eastern and central United States. This hardy oak blooms in April and May, supporting bees and beetles as important pollinators.
Post Oak (Quercus stellata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Post Oak is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a moderate level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
360"–720" H × 360"–720" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Post oak is a slow-growing, drought-tolerant native tree with distinctive cross-shaped leaves that turn yellow to brown in fall. It develops a broad, rounded crown and rugged bark, making it an excellent shade tree for dry sites.
Growing Post Oak
Grow Post Oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 360 to 720 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Post Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Very large mature size may overwhelm smaller properties
- Slow growth means limited immediate impact
Wildlife value
Host plant for hairstreak butterflies, duskywing skippers.
This oak supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths as caterpillar host plant, while its acorns feed squirrels, deer, and many bird species. Spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination.
Common questions
- Where is Post Oak native to?
- Post Oak is native to 30 states across the eastern and central United States, from Connecticut and Massachusetts in the northeast to Texas and Florida in the south, extending west to Kansas and Iowa.
- When does Post Oak bloom?
- Post Oak produces flowers in April and May, with inconspicuous wind-pollinated catkins that also attract bees and beetles.
- What growing conditions does Post Oak prefer?
- Post Oak thrives in full sun and tolerates drought conditions well, making it an excellent choice for dry, sandy, or rocky soils where other trees may struggle.
- What wildlife does Post Oak support?
- Post Oak flowers attract bees and beetles as pollinators, while the acorns provide food for wildlife and the tree serves as a host plant for various moth and butterfly species.
- Is Post Oak toxic to dogs?
- Post Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Post Oak toxic to cats?
- Post Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Post Oak toxic to livestock?
- Post Oak is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Post Oak HOA-friendly?
- Post Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Post Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz