Quick answer: Water oak (Quercus nigra) is native to 17 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Unknown photographer, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory 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 |
none noted formally
considered a weed tree in some areas; weak-wooded, susceptible to wind/ice damage and oak wilt
Buying it
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
See where to buy →Quick answers about Water oak
Where is Water oak native?
Water oak (Quercus nigra) is native to 17 states across the Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Water oak bloom?
Water oak blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Water oak need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: High water, Wet. Soil: Deep, moist, poorly drained soils - sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, acid-based. Mature height: 50-100 ft tall.
Is Water oak good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit for mammals and birds, nesting sites, larval host for Horace's Duskywing, White M Hairstreak, Northern Hairstreak.
Is Water oak deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Water oak is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is Water oak toxic?
none noted formally.
Where can I buy real Water oak seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Quercus nigra on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Water oak.
- Black willow Salix nigra
- Loblolly pine Pinus taeda
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
Also listed under
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