Looking for a drought-tolerant tree species for your dry, infertile land? Consider the American Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis)! This small, moderately fast-growing deciduous tree is native to the subtropical southeastern United States, where few other oaks can survive. Its thick, ridged bark turns black as the tree ages, and in spring it produces male and female flowers before dropping acorns in the fall. Turkey oak often associates with other species like longleaf pine, and its acorns are an important food source for wildlife. While not commercially important, its wood can be used as excellent fuel and its acorns have culinary uses. Named for its leaves resembling a turkey's foot, the American Turkey Oak is also called Catesby oak or scrub oak. Try this valuable tree species on your difficult land!