Water Oak (Quercus nigra) is a native to the central and eastern USA. It is a semi-evergreen tree found in forests, flood plains, and along rivers and streams or in sloped areas with drier soils. In NC, it is found from the coastal plain to the foothills of the mountains. It has a rounded to conical form, a slender straight trunk and may grow 50 to 100 feet tall. The tree has alternate leaves with smooth or bristle-tipped margins. The leaf shape is variable and may have 0 to 5 lobes. In spring, cylindrical, male flowers and female spikes mature. The acorn requires two growing seasons to reach maturity. It is regarded as having weaker wood than most oaks.
This tree prefers rich, medium to wet acidic soils in full sun. It is adaptable to other soil types and part shade. Great tree for naturalized areas, as a street tree or a shade tree in large areas. Also useful in wetter sites.
