Water Oak (Quercus nigra) is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen shade tree that offers beauty, resilience, and ecological benefits to a landscape. Reaching an impressive height of 50-80 feet with a spread of 20-50 feet, this adaptable oak thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils with an acidic to neutral pH. Its rich brown acorns provide sustenance for wildlife, while its foliage delivers year-round greenery.
Water Oak plays a crucial role in supporting native butterfly populations, serving as a larval host for Horace’s Dusky Wing, Red-banded Hairstreak, and White-M Hairstreak butterflies. Whether used as a shade tree, a habitat enhancer, or a striking addition to naturalized landscapes, Water Oak stands as a hardy and valuable presence in any garden or woodland setting.
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