Water Oak
Introduction
A favorite nesting tree for plenty of animals, the water oak enjoys growing near rivers and lakes but can be planted in other types of soil. With proper care and maintenance these trees can grow to a magnificent height and provide significant value to the area. .
Common Name
Water oak
Latin Name
Quercus nigra
Leaf
Alternate, simple, extremely variable in shape, may have zero to 5 lobes; margins may be entire or bristle-tipped
Flower
Male flowers borne on catkins; female flowers borne on spikes, appearing with the leaves
Fruit/nut
Acorns: 1/2 inch long, very dark in color, and a third covered by a flattened cap with appressed scales
Twig/branches
Slender, red-brown; buds short, sharp-pointed, angular, red-brown, multiple at the tip
Bark
Dark and quite tight, smooth when young and later with irregular rough patches; much later developing wide, scaly ridges
Form
Slender bole and rounded crown with ascending branches
Size
Commonly grows to around 100 feet tall
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States, from south Virginia to central Florida and as far west as Texas
Type
Medium-sized deciduous tree
Seasonal Colors
Leaves turn yellow in the fall
Soil
Adapted to wet, swampy areas, but can also tolerate other well-drained sites and even heavy, compacted soils
Light
Very intolorent of shade
Similar Species
Willow oak, laurel oak, shingle oak, Darlington oak
Pests and Diseases
Generally no serious pests, but anthracnose and mushroom root rot can cause problems if not treated promptly.
Rebate Eligibility
$100
Of Note
The tree is relatively short-lived compared to other oaks and may live only 60 to 80 years.
Photo Credits
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