Nuttall Oak
Quercus texana · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (no specific named cultivar identified)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with an upright, oval to rounded crown and relatively fast growth rate. Known for its deeply lobed leaves resembling a pin oak and its strong tolerance for wet clay soils.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves, 4 to 8 inches long with 5 to 7 deeply cut lobes having bristle-tipped teeth. Bright green above and paler green below, turning dull red to brown in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and gray-brown when young, developing shallow furrows and scaly ridges as the tree ages.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the South-Central United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River valley, highly adapted to Louisiana wetlands and bottomlands.
Growing Season
Leafs out in spring, flowers in mid-spring, produces acorns that mature in the fall of their second year, and enters winter dormancy.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal growth. Prefers moist to wet soils and tolerates periodic flooding and poorly drained clay, though it also adapts to average urban soils once established.
Mature Size
Expected mature height of 60 to 80 feet with a similar spread. Fast growth rate with a lifespan exceeding 100 years.
Special Characteristics
Excellent tolerance to wet soil conditions and urban pollution. Provides good autumn color compared to some other southern red oaks.
Wildlife & Ecology
Acorns provide a crucial food source for wild turkeys, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and various waterfowl. The dense canopy offers nesting sites and cover for numerous bird species.
Notes
Louisiana