Quercus Nigra - Ecology

Ecology

Water Oak is adapted to wet, swampy areas, such as along ponds and stream banks, but can also tolerate other well-drained sites and even heavy, compacted soils. It grows in sandy soils, red clays, and old fields to the borders of swamps, streams, to bottomlands. Due to its ability to grow and reproduce quickly, the water oak is often the most abundant species in a stand of trees. The tree is relatively short-lived compared to other oaks and may live only 60 to 80 years. It does not compete well and does not tolerate even light shade. Water oak is frequently used to restore bottomland hardwood forests on land that was previously cleared for agriculture or pine plantations.

Hybrids of Water Oak are known with Southern Red Oak (Q. falcata), Bluejack Oak (Quercus incana), American Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis), Blackjack Oak (Quercus marilandica), Willow Oak (Quercus phellos), Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii), and Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

Water Oak acorns are an important food for White-tailed Deer, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Raccoon, Wild Turkey, Mallard, Wood Duck, and Bobwhite Quail. In winter, deer will browse the buds and young twigs.