Nuttall oak (Quercus nuttallii) species page

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Northern Research Station
11 Campus Blvd., Suite 200
Newtown Square, PA 19073

Life History and Disturbance Response of Quercus nuttallii (Nuttall Oak )

Family: Fagaceae
Guild: persistent, large-seeded, advance growth dependent
Functional Lifeform: large deciduous tree
Ecological Role: A dominant tree which grows best on heavy, poorly drained clay flats and low bottoms of the Gulf Coast and Mississippi and Red River valleys. It is a major component of the Sweet Gum-Willow Oak forest cover type. Many types of wildlife feed on Nuttall oak acorns.
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): intolerant
Height, m: 30-37m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 5/20/?
Mast Frequency, yrs: 3-4yrs
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: spring
Flowers/Cones Damaged by Frost: September-February
Seed Banking: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: nut/50m/gravity, rodents, birds
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: unknown
Sprouting: stump sprouts form young trees

Establishment Seedbed Preferences
Substrate: clay preferred, covered with some litter
Light: open light conditions
Moisture: high moisture and wet tolerated

Contact Information

Phone: (610) 557-4017
TTY/TDD: (610) 557-4132