Water oak (Quercus Nigra) part 2

The water oak thrives in wet lands and is commonly found along ponds, rivers, swamps, shallow banks and estuaries. It also tolerates well drained soil. It grows in a variety of soil including sandy, clay and loam. Because the water oak tends to grow fast, it is often the most common species when there is water.

Unlike other trees, the water oak has a short life of about 50-70 years. The tree is not hardy and cannot tolerate shady conditions. Often the water oak is used to restore wetlands and forest that was previously cleared for agriculture.

Today, many hybrids of the water oak are available including the Southern red oak, blue jack oak, American Turkey oak, blackjack oak and black oak. These hybrids also grow fast but are more durable.

The water oak can rapidly cover moist landscape and is also an important source of food for deer, squirrel, raccoons, turkey and ducks. The wood of the water oak is often used for timber and fuel in the country side

Water oak (Quercus Nigra) part 1

The water oak (Quercus Nigra) is an oak native to most parts of south and eastern USA. The tree usually is found growing in low flat lands and is often up to an altitude of 1500 feet.

The Water oak is a medium sized tree that grows to about 80-100 feet when fully mature. It also had a large trunk with a diameter of 3-4 feet. The young trees have a smooth bark which does become dark grey and scaly as it matures. The leaves are alternate, deciduous and fall off during autumn.

The water oak has spatula shaped leaves which are quite broad at the top and wedged shaped at the base. The water oak is easily identified by its leaves which have a lobe that appears as if a drop of water is hanging from edge of the leaf.

Usually the top surface of the leaf is bluish green and the lower surface is duller. The tree has a globular shape at the top when fully mature.