// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Water oak

Quercus nigra

Water oak (Quercus nigra) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–11b. Mature size 40'–100'. Blooms Mar–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 19 U.S. states, including AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–11b
Mature size: 40'–100'
Sun: Part shade
Water: High · moisture-loving
Bloom: Mar–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Water oak (Quercus nigra) — *Quercus nigra* — Water oak. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Water oak (Quercus nigra) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–11b. Mature size 40'–100'. Blooms Mar–May.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, water oak pairs naturally with: American Holly (Ilex opaca), American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina).