Water Oak (Quercus nigra)
Water oak is a trooper and likely the most underrated of all the oaks. Naturally occurring in the bottoms, water oak commonly creeps its way uphill via blue jays and squirrels. To us that means it will grow and produce regularly from the best to not so great sites. No wonder it’s so common along sidewalks, parks, urban areas, etc. The monstrous trees lining Grand Boulevard in the delta duck town of Greenwood, MS are all water oaks.
Water oaks produce a small acorn that ducks prefer, and mature trees can tolerate flooding for a month or two just about every winter. Due to their extremely high fat content (@20%), deer rake them in also. Although an early dropper (usually mid October to early November), their hard shell makes it a great keeper for when food and a good huntin’ spot is needed the most. It always seems the water oaks have an uncanny ability to produce on years when none of the other oaks are producing. Insurance for your crop! When in doubt, plant a water oak.
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Type: Zone: |
Red Oak section 6 - 9 |
| Soil pH: | 4.5 - 6.5 |
| Mature Height: | 90' |
| Wildlife Value: | Important cover, habitat, and food for wildlife. Acorns eaten by squirrel, wild turkey, and waterfowl. Some browse by deer. |
| Site Preference: | Naturally occurs on moist, alluvial soils along streams and rivers, but tolerates and routinely produces mast on a variety of sites. |
| Nut Maturity Date: | October to early November |
| Alias: | Possum Oak, Spotted Oak, Pin Oak, Red Oak |
Customer Reviews
Hi there, I just wanted to share my experience with Nativ Nurseries. Recently, we ordered 50 trees to give out at our field day and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with their service. The trees arrived right on time and were ready to be planted straight away.
One thing that really stood out to me was the care and packaging that the trees came in. It was obvious that Nativ Nurseries took great care in ensuring that the trees were protected and would arrive in good condition. This attention to detail really made a difference and gave us confidence that the trees would thrive once planted.
Overall, I highly recommend Nativ Nurseries for anyone looking to order trees. Their service is top-notch, the trees are of great quality and their attention to detail is truly appreciated. Thank you Nativ Nurseries for a job well done!
Three water oaks came with a bundle of moist soil and abundant roots. Placed them in three gallon buckets to tide them over until the new rain pond is operational. Six button bushes are just as fantastic and are in their buckets playing hide-and-seek from deer until planted later this season. A returning customer here!!!!
Water Oak (Quercus nigra)
Unfortunately the water oaks I ordered already looked not very healthy when they arrived and most of them don't look like that they will make it.
The tree arrived in pristine condition, healthy & looking well. I potted each of the five trees purchased, planted a week later. Now a week gone by the saplings are doing well. I will purchase more when the times comes to plant more oak trees.