Basket Oak
Quercus michauxii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quercus michauxii (Basket Oak) is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. It blooms in April and May, supporting bees and beetles as pollinators.
Basket Oak (Quercus michauxii) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Basket Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
480"–960" H × 360"–720" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Basket oak is a large, stately deciduous tree native to wetland areas of the southeastern United States. It develops a broad, rounded crown and can reach 40 to 80 feet tall with an impressive spread. This oak produces spring flowers followed by acorns and displays attractive fall color.
Growing Basket Oak
Grow Basket Oak in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 480 to 960 inches tall and spread 360 to 720 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Basket Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.
- Very large mature size requires adequate space
- Acorn drop may require seasonal cleanup
Wildlife value
Host plant for hairstreak butterflies, luna moth.
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. As an oak species, it supports hundreds of native caterpillar species and provides acorns for wildlife.
Common questions
- Where is Quercus michauxii native?
- Basket Oak is native to 21 states across the southeastern and mid-Atlantic regions, from Texas and Illinois in the west to New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the north.
- When does Basket Oak bloom?
- Quercus michauxii blooms during April and May, producing flowers that attract bees and beetles.
- What growing conditions does Basket Oak prefer?
- This oak tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows best in medium to high moisture conditions, making it suitable for floodplains and wetland edges.
- Is Basket Oak toxic to dogs?
- Basket Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Basket Oak toxic to cats?
- Basket Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Basket Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Basket Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Basket Oak HOA-friendly?
- Basket Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Basket Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz