Water oak (Quercus nigra)

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The water oak, also known as spotted oak or possum oak, is found across northern and upper central Florida in sandy soils in old fields to the borders of swamps, streams, to bottomlands. Due to its ability to grow and reproduce quickly, the water oak is often the most abundant species in the stand; however, the tree is relatively short-lived compared to other oaks and may live only 60 to 80 years.

The heavy, hard wood is used for lumber, and as a fuelwood. Its

Twig, leaves, and fruit
attractive form makes it a popular landscape tree.

Water oak acorns provide food for many animals such as squirrels, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey.

The water oak ranges from southern New Jersey to central Florida, west to east Texas, and north to southeastern Missouri. It reaches elevations up to 1000'.

Identifying Characteristics

Size/Form:

Water oak is a tall slender tree that reaches 50' to 80' in height. It is characterized as having a rounded crown that is symmetrical in shape.

Leaves:

The leaves are tardily deciduous, simple, and alternately arranged. They are 2" to 4" long and may be variable in shape. Most commonly they are shaped like a spatula, broad and rounded at the top and narrow and wedged at the base. The margins vary usually having smooth to shallowly lobed. The top of each leaf is a dull green to bluish green and the bottom is a paler bluish-green. On the bottom portion of the leaves, rusty colored hairs run along the veins.

Fruit:

The acorns are arranged singly, or in pairs, and mature in the second year. They are usually 3/8" to 1/2" in length.

Bark:

The younger trees possess a smooth, brown bark that becomes gray-black with rough scaly ridges as the tree matures.

Habitat:

Water oak grows in moist or wet soils of upland and lowland forests. These trees are often found growing with sweetgum.

Contact Information

Email: LVK@ifas.ufl.edu

Please send comments and questions to LVK@ifas.ufl.edu

Acknowledgements: The development of this site was funded by the Florida 4-H Foundation and the School of Forest Resources and Conservation at the University of Florida.