This large tree grows in the center of the lawn in front of Rand/Sarratt and is almost equidistant from Rand, Garland, and Old Central.

Black oak is another member of the red oak group and its leaves are similar to other members of the group.  The lower sides of its leaves have variable hairiness, from tufts of blond hair where the veins come together to entirely covered with hair (the species name, velutina, comes from the term for velvety hair).  The sinuses of the leaves tend to go deeper toward the midvein than the sinuses of northern red oak leaves.  The best way to recognize this species is by observing its buds under a hand lens.  They are entirely covered with blond hairs.  The scales on the caps of the acorns are also covered with blond hairs.

Black oak can be found in a variety of habitats, but tends to be on drier sites than northern red oak.  This particular tree has no branches near the ground but you may find twigs and leaves on the ground to examine. It is noteworthy in that it is described on p. 39 of The Trees of Vanderbilt. It is the only black oak on campus, but it is a large tree in its own right, having a diameter of 115 cm (45 in.).