water oak
Quercus nigra
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size50 to 80 feet tall40 to 60 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Water oak (Quercus nigra) is a tree for shade gardens, woodland, rain gardens, and specimen use. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows fast and has a conical or rounded crown of small, shiny leaves. Yellow spring flowers attract bees and butterflies, and the branches can break in wind and ice. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal.
Pairs well with River birch, Oakleaf hydrangea, Switchgrass, and Beautyberry.
Native range
Southeastern United States.