Quercus texana, commonly known as Nuttall’s oak, is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree native to bottomland forests, floodplains, and wetlands of the Southeastern United States. It can reach up to 25 meters (83 feet) in height and is characterized by a rounded to oval crown, dark brown ridged and furrowed bark, and glossy green leaves with sharply pointed lobes that turn a striking red in autumn. The tree produces acorns that are an important food source for wildlife.

Nuttall’s oak is valued for its adaptability to various soil conditions, including wet and poorly drained soils, making it an excellent choice for urban planting, large landscapes, and areas prone to flooding. It is also appreciated for its ease of transplanting and fast growth rate, which contribute to its increasing popularity in horticulture. The tree’s ability to recover gas exchange quickly after flooding is a notable adaptation. It requires full sun for optimal growth and benefits from medium water availability. While it is not commonly afflicted by serious disease or pest problems, oak wilt can be a concern, and it is advisable to monitor for signs of this disease.CC BY-SA 4.0