Enemies:  The tree is comparatively free from insects and disease except
    in districts where the Gipsy moth is common, in which case the
    leaves of the white oak are a favorite food of its caterpillars.

[Illustration:  FIG. 59.—­Bark of Black Oak. (Quercus velutina).]

Value for planting:  The white oak is one of the most stately trees.  Its
    massive form and its longevity make the tree suitable for both lawn
    and woodland planting but it is not used much because it is
    difficult to transplant and grows rather slowly.

Commercial value:  The wood is of great economic importance.  It is heavy,
    hard, strong and durable and is used in cooperage, construction
    work, interior finish of buildings and for railroad ties, furniture,
    agricultural implements and fuel.

Comparisons:  The swamp white oak (Quercus platanoides) is similar to
    the white oak in general appearance of the bark and form and is
    therefore liable to be confused with it.  It differs from the white
    oak, however, in possessing a more straggly habit and in the fact
    that the bark on the under side of its branches shags in loose,
    large scales.  Its buds are smaller, lighter colored and more downy
    and its acorns are more pointed and with cups more shallow than
    those of the white oak.  The tree also grows in moister ground,
    generally bordering swamps.

[Illustration:  FIG. 60.—­Leaf and Fruit of Black Oak. (Quercus velutina).]

BLACK OAK (Quercus velutina)

Distinguishing characters:  The bark is black, rough and cut up into
    firm ridges especially at the base of the tree, see Fig. 59.  The
    inner bark has a bright yellow color:  the leaves have sharp
    points and are wider at the base than at the tip as shown in Fig.
    60.  The buds are large, downy and sharp pointed.  The acorns are
    small and have deep, scaly cups the inner margins of which are
    downy.  The kernels are yellow and bitter.

Form and size:  The tree grows in an irregular form to large size, with
    its branches rather slender as compared with the white oak and with
    a more open and narrow crown.

Range:  Eastern North America.

Soil and location:  It will grow in poor soils but does best where the
    soil is rich and well drained.

Enemies:  None of importance.

Value for planting:  The black oak is the poorest of the oaks for
    planting and is rarely offered by nurserymen.

Commercial value:  The wood is heavy, hard and strong, but checks readily
    and is coarse grained.  It is of little value except for fuel.  The
    bark is used for tannin.

Other common names:  Yellow oak.