What Type of Oak Has a Maple-Looking Leaf?

Endangered Species

• The maple-leaf oak is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. The tree is native to Arkansas and is only found in the Ouachita Mountains of that state, but there are unconfirmed reports of it growing on Rich Mountain in far eastern Oklahoma.

Climate

• Maple-leaf oaks grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. They thrive in climates with cold winters and cool summers, and will grow well even in average soils. Full sun is best for these trees and will bring out the rich red of their fall foliage. Maple-leaf oaks can withstand drought conditions and are durable even when affected by insect pests and diseases.

Growth

• Part of the red oak group, maple-leaf oaks are medium-sized trees that can reach maximum heights and widths of around 50 and 30 feet, respectively. In the wild, it grows as both a multi-stemmed shrub and a tree with one leader. The trees produce fall color and acorns. The oblong acorns are smaller than many other oak trees -- about 3/4 of an inch in length -- which is one reason why this tree acquired its own species.

Features

• The tree has dark gray, smooth bark that gradually develops furrows as it ages. The leaves range in length from 4 to 6 inches, and in width from 2 to more than 5 inches. Each leaf has either five or seven lobes, which are tipped with a few hairs. The top of the leaves are smooth and green, with undersides that are a lighter shade of green. The veins are quite obvious both above and below the leaf.