|
|
Forestry
Champion Trees
Champ Post Oak -
(Quercus stellata var. stellata)
The Forestry Commission maintains a list of the largest tree of each
species in Arkansas. The list is informational and is not part of any state
statute. To determine if a tree is a champion, three measurements are needed:
circumference in inches, the crown spread in feet, and the height in feet. These
measurements are used in a formula to determine a bigness index (BI). Once the
(BI) has been determined, potential champ trees can be compared. The Andrews
Post Oak has a (BI) of 258. The Co-champion in Union county has a (BI) of 252.
The Forestry Commission declares a co-champion when the Bigness Index is within
10 points of another tree. Nominated by retired Monroe County Extension Service Agent
Reggie Talley, this tree officially became a co-champ on August 25, 2003.
Congratulations to the David Andrews Family!
The "Post Oak" (Quercus stellata var. stellata) has been officially
reported in 74 of Arkansas' 75 counties, and there several hybrids represented
in Arkansas. The leaves of this deciduous tree suggest the shape of a Maltese
cross, and give rise to another vernacular name, "Cross Oak". Other common names
for this hardy arboreal resident are Iron Oak, Branch Oak, Rough Oak, and Box
Oak. The genus name Quercus is the classical Latin name, and the species name
stellata refers to the tiny stellate (star-shaped) hairs found on the petioles
and under-side of the leaves. The acorns are eaten by White-tail deer and wild
turkeys.
|
This massive "Post Oak" tree dwarfs Arkansas State Forester Aaron Shelton. |
|
Located in the back yard of the David Andrews Family
home near DeVall's Bluff, this beauty is slightly larger than the existing
Arkansas Champ Post Oak in Union county. |
|
All Oaks are in the Beech Family, Fagaceae, with the Post Oak
in the White Oak Group, most of which have leaves with rounded lobes. |
By: Reggie Talley
Retired Monroe County Extension Agent
Back to Champion Trees
|
