While there are many, many types of oaks (Quercus spp.), they can be divided into at least two major groups by the shapes of their leaves.
The white oak group has gentle, rounded edges to their leaves (leaf to the left above). In our area, these would include the White Oak, Bur Oak, Chestnut Oak and Swamp Oak.
The black oak group has bristly, pointed edges to their leaves (leaf to the right above). In our area, these would include the Scarlet-Pin Oak, Black Oak, Northern Red Oak and Scrub Oak.
Of course, the bark, buds, twigs and acorns are useful tools for distinguishing the individual species of oaks.
