Quercus nigra
water oak
Notes:
Despite the scientific name, this is not black oak; that would be Q. velutina.
Not recommended for Sunset zone 37 (stops at 34 and 35).
Dead leaves may persist in winter. Poor compartmentalizer of decay. Despite the branch breakage, the wood is very hard.
Needs deep soil. Cal Poly and NCSU outnumber the USDA on sandy soil tolerance. Salt tolerance is debated (NCSU vs. USDA).
Sources: Sunset, UFL, Missouri BG, Cal Poly, NCSU, USDA, Dirr/Warren.
Tags:
acidic soil preferred
alkaline soil intolerant
attracts:birds (ex-humming)
attracts:larval host
attracts:mammals
branches break
clay tolerant
compacted soil tolerant
drought tolerant
easy to grow
exposure:full sun
exposure:part shade
fall color notable
fast-growing
fire risk low
form:tree
full sun preferred
habit:conical/pyramidal
habit:rounded
habit:spreading/wide
large wounds sensitive
litter:fruit
litter:leaves
litter:twigs/branches
native:eastern North America
open canopy
persistence:deciduous
pollution tolerant
pruning required
rich soil preferred
roots:low damage potential
sandy soil tolerant
short-lived
type:broadleaf
use:naturalizing
use:shade tree
use:street
water:moderate to little
water:regular
weedy
wet soil tolerant
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