Quick answer: Water oak (Quercus nigra) is native to 4 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Wet |
| Soil | Deep, moist, poorly drained soils - sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, acid-based |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | 50-100 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Fruit for mammals and birds, nesting sites, larval host for Horace's Duskywing, White M Hairstreak, Northern Hairstreak |
Toxicity
none noted formally
Invasive / regulated
considered a weed tree in some areas; weak-wooded, susceptible to wind/ice damage and oak wilt
Buying it
Wild species
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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