How much sun does water oak need?

Water oak grows best in full sun but will tolerate part sun and light shade, particularly as a young tree growing under an open canopy.

How much water does water oak need?

This tree does well with medium moisture but can handle both damp bottomland soils and drier upland sites once it is established.

When does water oak bloom?

Water oak produces slender yellow-green catkins in March and April, generally as its leaves begin to unfold.

What insects visit water oak flowers?

Bees and beetles visit water oak catkins to feed on pollen, though like other oaks this species mainly relies on wind for pollination.

Is Water Oak toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Water Oak as toxic to livestock.

Is Water Oak HOA-friendly?

Water Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Water Oak

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Quercus nigra

Last reviewed: September 2026

Quercus nigra, or water oak, is a fast growing tree common in bottomlands and moist lowland woods across the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. It blooms in March and April, when its catkins draw bees and beetles.

Water Oak (Quercus nigra) 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 Water Oak as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

360"–600" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 14 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross Timbers Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Water oak is a medium to large deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It develops a rounded crown and produces small spring flowers followed by acorns. This oak species prefers moist soils and provides excellent shade coverage.

Growing Water Oak

Grow Water Oak in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Water Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.

Large mature size requires adequate space
Acorn drop may require seasonal cleanup

Wildlife value

Host plant for Edward's Hairstreak, Banded Hairstreak.

Supports bees and beetles during spring flowering, and the acorns feed numerous wildlife species including squirrels, deer, and birds. Oak trees are among the most valuable native trees for supporting caterpillars and other insects.

Common questions

How much sun does water oak need?: Water oak grows best in full sun but will tolerate part sun and light shade, particularly as a young tree growing under an open canopy.
How much water does water oak need?: This tree does well with medium moisture but can handle both damp bottomland soils and drier upland sites once it is established.
When does water oak bloom?: Water oak produces slender yellow-green catkins in March and April, generally as its leaves begin to unfold.
What insects visit water oak flowers?: Bees and beetles visit water oak catkins to feed on pollen, though like other oaks this species mainly relies on wind for pollination.
Is Water Oak toxic to dogs?: Water Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Water Oak toxic to cats?: Water Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Water Oak toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Water Oak as toxic to livestock.
Is Water Oak HOA-friendly?: Water Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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