water oak

plant
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Also known as: Quercus nigra, possum oak, spotted oak
Also called:
possum oak or spotted oak
Related Topics:
oak

water oak, (Quercus nigra), ornamental tree, native to the southeastern coastal plains of the United States. The plant is adapted to moist conditions, such as along stream banks, but can tolerate drier soils. The tree is fairly short-lived (less than 80 years) and is often planted as a shade tree for its broad canopy. See also oak.

Water oak grows up to about 25 meters (82 feet) tall. Its glossy blue-green leaves vary in shape and size but are usually spoon-shaped or oblong, slightly lobed at the apex. They turn yellow in autumn and can persist into winter. The abundant small acorns are set in shallow scaly or hairy cups.

Taxonomy

See also list of plants in the family Fagaceae

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.