- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 50 - 80 Feet
- Mature Spread 50 - 70 Feet
- Growing Zones 8 - 9
The Water Oak Tree, or Quercus nigra, is an adaptable tree that grows well in damp areas. This medium-sized tree grows quickly and stands 50 to 80 feet tall and 50 to 70 feet wide. Bluish-green foliage has rounded lobes that are more pronounced when the tree is grown in full sun. The margins or edges of the foliage may be smooth or bristle tipped. The Water Oak Tree is deciduous, although it sometimes grows as an evergreen in warm climates. This tree can live in damp conditions and is often found in flood plains and wet sites.
This tree is native to the Central and Eastern U.S., and once acclimated, it requires little care. Plant in a protected area because wind and ice can be damaging. Spring flowers give way to acorns. The acorns take a few years to reach maturity, so they provide long-lasting texture and visual interest. This oak is an excellent choice to line a street or long driveway or to cast shade on a lawn.
Water Oak Tree Care
Plant Water Oak Tree in full sun and in fertile, acidic soil that is moist but well drained. Young trees need consistent water for the first two growing seasons. Established trees only need water during an extended dry period.
Shape the tree from late fall through early spring. Remove no more than 25% of the growth at a time. Prune young trees to establish a central leader. The Water Oak is not as strong as other Oak varieties, so careful pruning can prevent breakage as the tree matures.
Water Oak Tree Spacing
Space Water Oak Trees at least 80 feet from buildings and clear of utility lines. Breakage is a common problem, so leave enough space around the tree to ensure homes, sheds, and other structures are safe. Avoid planting delicate shrubs under a Water Oak to protect them from being crushed by broken branches. Leave 50 feet between trees when creating a dense planting.
Water Oak Tree Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 - 9 |
| Plant Type: |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 50 - 80 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 50 - 70 Feet |
| Spacing: 50 - 70 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Green, Yellow |
| Flower Description: Gold and Yellow Shades |
| Bloom Period: Spring |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Brown, Green |
| Foliage Description: Green to Brown Copper Shades in the Fal |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought, Salt |
| Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Water Oak Tree |
| Other Name(s): Black Oak, North American Barren Oak, North American Back Oak, Oaks, Possum Oak |
| Scientific Name: Quercus nigra |
- SKU:
- 123PLA0112-npn
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations