This plant or tree is growing under a hemlock, on the edge of woods. Any idea what it is? I wish I could get closer but there's poison ivy in front of it

You mean you are going to let a little thing like poison ivy keep you from IDing a plant? ( good plan)

Some sort of oak. I don't suppose you can find some acorns from your vantage point on your side of the poison ivy?

Damn the poison ivy; full speed ahead!!
Put on some disposable shoe covers, disposable gloves and be brave.

Can you flip over one of the leaves? If the bottom of the leaf is a bit white in color it could be Swamp White Oak/Quercus bicolor.

The leaves are really big for an oak that size! Ok. Tomorrow I'll be brave and drive through it to get to the leaves....

I agree, an Oak of some type. My first thought was Red Oak but so many Oaks look similar. It sure is a beauty, whichever it is!
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

You can buy Tyvec coveralls at most paint stores. Tyvec is a type of plastic/paper that it chemical resistant ...very hot to work in, but disposable

AlyssaBlue said:The leaves are really big for an oak that size!

When plants are young they are determined to survive. There is something called phenotypic plasticity - either the roots, shoots or leaves are changeable depending on the environmental conditions.

An oak growing in the shade may well start out with larger leaves that will increase the amount of sunlight the plant can absorb. After the tree grows tall enough so that its head is up in the sun, the leaves grow 'normal' size because they have direct access to sunlight.

Good luck avoiding the poison ivy.

I have been blessed, I thankfully am not allergic to poison ivy! Good luck on your IDing though! (:

I don't actually think I'm allergic to poison ivy, but if I get the oils on me, and my husband comes in contact with my clothing.....he is allergic and would not be so happy.

A friend of ours was clearing out poison oak in their yard a few years ago, and used gloves. But when his wife went to do the laundry, SHE ended up with a huge rash. Ouch!

Thanks for all the info! Fingers crossed!