Quick answer: Post oak (Quercus stellata) is native to 28 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Dry to moist, rocky or sandy |
| Bloom | Mar-May |
| Height | 40-50 ft (to 100 ft) |
| Wildlife value | Acorns feed deer/squirrels/turkeys, larval host for Northern Hairstreak, Horace's Duskywing |
none noted; susceptible to oak wilt, roots extremely sensitive to disturbance
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Post oak
Where is Post oak native?
Post oak (Quercus stellata) is native to 28 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Post oak bloom?
Post oak blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Post oak need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Medium. Soil: Dry to moist, rocky or sandy. Mature height: 40-50 ft (to 100 ft).
Is Post oak good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Acorns feed deer/squirrels/turkeys, larval host for Northern Hairstreak, Horace's Duskywing.
Where can I buy real Post oak seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Quercus stellata on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Post oak.
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Pawpaw Asimina triloba
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Common persimmon Diospyros virginiana
- Mockernut hickory Carya tomentosa
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.