Water Oak (Quercus nigra)

Water Oak

(Quercus nigra)

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Quercus nigra, commonly known as Water Oak, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous tree native to lowland forests, swamps, and along rivers in the Southeastern USA. It is a medium-sized tree, typically growing to 30 meters (98 feet) tall with a trunk up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) in diameter. The bark of young trees is smooth and brown, transitioning to gray-black with rough scaly ridges as the tree ages. Water Oak is identifiable by its leaves, which have a distinctive lobed shape resembling a water droplet at the end. The leaf’s upper surface is a dull green to bluish-green, while the underside is paler with rusty hairs along the veins. Acorns are solitary or paired, 10–14 millimeters long, with a shallow cupule, maturing around 18 months after pollination in the second autumn. The species is relatively short-lived for an oak, with a typical lifespan of 60 to 80 years, and struggles to compete, failing to tolerate even light shade.

Water Oak is valued for its rapid growth and adaptability to wet conditions, making it suitable for planting in riparian zones and areas with poor drainage. It is often used in urban settings, despite its shorter lifespan and potential for limb breakage. The tree thrives in full sun, requiring high amounts of water, and prefers soils with medium to fast drainage. While it is not known for a particular disease, it can suffer from typical oak pests and problems such as oak wilt or root rot in poorly drained soils. It is also susceptible to limb breakage during storms due to its fast growth and wood structure.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 50-80 feet
Width: 40-60 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Lowland forests, swamps, and rivers in the Southeastern USA

Other Names

Common Names: Black Oak, Possum Oak, Spotted Oak, Striped Oak, Pin Oak, Duck Oak, Punk Oak, Orange Oak, Chêne Gris, Vattenek

Scientific Names: , Quercus nigra, Quercus marylandica, Quercus aquatica, Quercus nigra f. tridentifera, Quercus microcarya, Quercus nigra var. tridentata, Quercus nigra var. tridentifera, Quercus aquatica var. hybrida, Quercus nigra var. heterophylla

GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus nigra L.