Water Oak, Spotted oak, Possum oak
Quercus nigra

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows 15 m high and spreads 12 m across. It loses its leaves during the year. It has a broad-domed crown. The bark is dark grey and develops scaly ridges. The leaves are on slender stalks. The leaves are egg shaped but have lobes. They are glossy and deep green. The fruit are acorns enclosed in shallow cups.

There are about 600 Quercus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist or wet soils includign flood plains. In SE regions of the USA it grows up to about 300 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The acorns are pounded and leached to remove tannins and then boiled and used as cornmeal.

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts

How it is grown

It is short lived.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Quercus agnostifolia K. Koch; Quercus aquatica (Lam.) Walter; Quercus bumelifolia Riddell; Quercus genabi K. Koch; Quercus marylandica Du Roi; Quercus microcarpa Small; Quercus nana Willd.; Quercus nigra var. aquatica Lam.;