Water Oak | Fourth and Gill Arboretum

Other Names:
Native to:: N. America
Sidewalk Visibility:: Excellent
Public?: Yes
Diameter:
Conservation Status
Description:: Trees in the red oak group typically have leaves with pointed lobes and tipped with small bristles. Despite the Water Oak being in the red oak group, its smooth (or shallowly lobed) leaves are one of few exceptions to this trend. This tree does have the other features commonly associated with red oaks: bitter acorns that mature every 2 years; inner shell of nut is usually wooly; acorns usually germinate in the spring; bark is gray/black/brownish-black; and lumber is open grained with poor rot resistance. The leaves of the Water Oak are “tardily” deciduous, remaining on the tree until mid-winter or longer. Interestingly, the tree is semi-evergreen in more southern regions. Leaf shape may be compared to a spatula or rabbit paw print. Like to the Overcup Oak, it is naturally found in wet sites and can tolerate clay soils. However, unlike the Overcup, it's relatively short-lived for an oak, with a 60-80 years old expected lifespan. This species may not be desirable for most yards, as it is short-lived, disease-prone, messy, and weak limbed.
Notes: