water oak

Quercus nigra

The water oak is a tall tree that loves to grow near water. Its leaves are shaped like fingers, and in the fall, they turn beautiful colors before falling off.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The water oak has distinctive spatula-shaped or diamond-like green leaves that often shimmer in the sunlight. Its bark starts smooth and dark, gradually developing furrows with age. Unlike many oaks, it often holds onto some leaves through winter, giving it a semi-evergreen appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus

water oak

Interesting facts

Its super speedy growth makes it a favorite for city planting!

Many animals, like squirrels, love to munch on its tiny acorns!

This amazing tree can live for over 100 years, watching generations pass by!

Water oak wood is very strong and was once used to build sturdy ships!

Special abilities

The water oak can thrive in wet soils because it tolerates low oxygen, allowing it to grow where other trees cannot.

It often retains some green leaves through winter, giving it a head start on photosynthesis when spring arrives.

Water oaks grow quickly, helping them reach sunlight and establish themselves faster than many other forest trees.

Measurements & details

Height: 1000-2500 cm
Spread: 900-1500 cm
Flower Size: 1-5 cm
Bloom Season: Spring
Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Wind

Ecological connections

eats

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Feasts on the nutritious acorns

eats

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses on its leaves and twigs

shelters

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

Nests in tree cavities and forages

parasitizes

Oak Gall Wasp

Dryocosmus quercuspalustris

Lays eggs causing round galls on leaves

Traits

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Shade Tolerant

Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.

Broadleaf Tree

Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.

Fall Color

Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.

Rapid Growing

Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.

Timber

Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.