New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Black Oak
Quercus velutina
Black oaks can grow in dry, sandy soils and are often found on hillsides. They grow throughout much of eastern North America. Some very old, distinguished specimens can be found in the Forest. Black oak's dark-colored bark is the source of the tree's common name. The inner bark is bright yellow in color, and was used by early settlers to manufacture a yellow dye called quercitron.
Black oaks can be distinguished from red oaks and other close relatives by the hairy underside of the leaves, more coarsely textured acorn chips, and dark-gray bark.
Erected by New York Botanical Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 40° 51.773′ N, 73° 52.587′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in New York Botanical Garden. It is on Spicebush Trail north of Bridge Trail, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81 Spicebush Trail, Bronx NY 10458, United States of America.
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Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Human Impact (here, next to this marker); Thain Family Forest (within shouting distance of this marker); Common Spicebush (within shouting distance of this marker); Forest Conservation (within shouting distance of this marker); Old-Growth Forests: Snags (within shouting distance of this marker); Old-Growth Forests: Pit and Mound Formations (within shouting distance of this marker); Pokeberry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mountain Magnolia (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 74 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
