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NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Quercus nigra

Water Oak, Paddle Oak

Scientific Name:

Quercus nigra

Genus:

Quercus

Species Epithet:

nigra

Common Name:

Water Oak, Paddle Oak

Plant Type

Tree

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Fagaceae (Beech Family)

Native/Alien:

NC Native

Invasive Status:

(*Key)

Size:

72-100 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

Yellow, Green, Brown

Light:

Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day

Soil Moisture:

Moist, Wet

Bloom Time:

April

Growing Area:

Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain

Habitat Description:

Bottomland forests, especially on levees or second terraces where flooded infrequently and for short periods, less commonly on mesic slopes. Common and widespread in the NC Coastal Plain and the southeastern third of the Piedmont. Fairly common in the central Piedmont, but rare in the remainder of the Piedmont and the southern mountains.

Leaf Arrangement:

Alternate

Leaf Retention:

Deciduous

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Simple

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Highest Wildlife Value

Landscape Value:

Not Recommended for home landscapes

State Rank:

S5: Secure (*Key)

Global Rank:

G5 - Secure (*Key)

Notes:

Tree is short-lived and has weak limbs.

Most leaves are paddle-shaped with the distal end rounded.

Pitt Co., NC

The Scientific Name is Quercus nigra. You will likely hear them called Water Oak, Paddle Oak. This picture shows the Most leaves are paddle-shaped with the distal end rounded. of Quercus nigra

Bettina Darveaux

Bristle tips on the leaves are not obvious even though it is a member of the "red oak group".

Pitt Co., NC

The Scientific Name is Quercus nigra. You will likely hear them called Water Oak, Paddle Oak. This picture shows the Bristle tips on the leaves are not obvious even though it is a member of the

Bettina Darveaux

Some leaves have three rounded lobes. The bristle tips can easily be seen on them.

Pitt Co., NC

The Scientific Name is Quercus nigra. You will likely hear them called Water Oak, Paddle Oak. This picture shows the Some leaves have three rounded lobes. The bristle tips can easily be seen on them. of Quercus nigra

Bettina Darveaux

Bark on mature tree with reddish vertical furrows.

Pitt Co., NC

The Scientific Name is Quercus nigra. You will likely hear them called Water Oak, Paddle Oak. This picture shows the Bark on mature tree with reddish vertical furrows. of Quercus nigra

Bettina Darveaux

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record



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