(Quercus velutina)

Family: Fagaceae

Description
Medium to large sized tree with open spreading crown. Height is 50–80 ft. (15–24 m). Diameter is 1–2.5 ft. (0.3–0.8 m). Leaves are 4–9 in. (10–23 cm) long and 3–6 in. (7.5–15 cm) wide. The leaves are elliptical with 7–9 shallow or deep and narrow lobes. They are shiny green above and yellow-green with brown hairs beneath, turning red or brown in fall. The bark is gray and smooth on the small trunks turning blackish and deeply furrowed. Acorns are 0.63–0.75 in. (15–19 mm) long and elliptical. The acorns of this tree are poisonous to animals.

Habitat
Dry upland sandy and rocky ridges, clay hillsides, sometimes in pure stands. Non-native to New Mexico

Discussion
Bark was formerly used as a source of tannin, medicine, and a yellow dye.