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.
- Semi-evergreen shade tree
- Size: 50-80 ft. tall and 20-50 ft. wide
- Fruit: Brown
- Exposure: Full sun, part shade
- Moisture: Well-drained
- Soil: Sand, loam
- Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
- Larval host for Horace’s Dusky Wing, Red-banded Hairstreak, White-M Hairstreak butterflies
/mp