Water Oak
Botanical Name: Oak Quercus nigra (KWER-kus NI-gra)
Common Names: Possum Oak, Duck Oak, Spotted
Deciduous to semi evergreen Sun
Height: 50 - 80 feet
Spread: 30- 50- feet
Spacing: 20- 50- feet
Habit: Large growing and spreading shade tree. The leaves are spoon-shaped, persistent, and sometimes evergreen. Some trees will be completely deciduous and other almost totally evergreen. Weak fall color varies from yellow to brown.
Culture: Likes moist, neutral-to-acid soils and can be even grown in waterlogged, oxygen-deficient soils where other trees would have a great problem.
Uses: Shade tree.
Problems: This tree needs plenty of moisture and neutral-to-acid soils. It will not grow well in the alkaline black and white soils of north and central Texas.
Notes: Laurel oak Quercus laurifolia is similar in appearance and adaptability and is often found growing near water oak.
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