Here's an upstart: Black Oak's popularity is soaring among the native plant world as a super-food for wildlife.   It's right up there with White Oak as attracting more caterpillars than any other tree.
 
     Black Oak matures at about 100 years, often living a hundred or so more, and opping out at 60 to 80 feet. 
 
     Mature bark is nearly black--about the opposite of White Oak--and its deeply lobed leaves turn yellowish, sometimes a deep red, in fall.
 
     Black Oak prefers full sun, and while its optimum soil is on the moist side it easily adapts to clay, sandy and rocky soils.
 
     For more information on planting for wildlife, check out this list of Keystone Plants.