Water Oak
Quercus nigra
Also listed as Quercus marylandica, Quercus microcarya
Also known as Possum Oak
Climate Match for your location
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Water oak is a medium to large deciduous tree native to wetlands and floodplain areas of the southeastern United States, valued for its ability to thrive in poorly drained soils where other oaks struggle. It produces small acorns and displays yellow to reddish fall color.
Why grow it
Water oak outperforms most other oak species in consistently wet, poorly drained soils and periodic flooding, making it a logical choice for floodplain restoration or low-lying site conditions where pin oak or willow oak would decline. Its relatively fast growth and moderate size (60-80 feet) suit smaller properties better than larger oak species. The small acorns are less preferred by wildlife than white oak acorns, but the tree still supports native insects and provides nesting habitat.
Watch out for
Water oak exhibits variable fall color and leaf retention depending on growing conditions and year-to-year weather patterns, so ornamental consistency should not be assumed. Establish young trees with consistent moisture during their first two growing seasons, as transplants are moderately sensitive to drought stress during establishment. Branch angles can be narrow, potentially creating structural weakness in ice or heavy snow loads in areas outside its native range.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Water oak is a medium to large deciduous tree native to wetlands and floodplain areas of the southeastern United States, valued for its ability to thrive in poorly drained soils where other oaks struggle. It produces small acorns and displays yellow to reddish fall color.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Water Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Water oak outperforms most other oak species in consistently wet, poorly drained soils and periodic flooding, making it a logical choice for floodplain restoration or low-lying site conditions where pin oak or willow oak would decline. Its relatively fast growth and moderate size (60-80 feet) suit smaller properties better than larger oak species. The small acorns are less preferred by wildlife than white oak acorns, but the tree still supports native insects and provides nesting habitat.
Watch out for
Water oak exhibits variable fall color and leaf retention depending on growing conditions and year-to-year weather patterns, so ornamental consistency should not be assumed. Establish young trees with consistent moisture during their first two growing seasons, as transplants are moderately sensitive to drought stress during establishment. Branch angles can be narrow, potentially creating structural weakness in ice or heavy snow loads in areas outside its native range.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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