water oak Fagaceae Quercus nigra L.   symbol: QUNI
	Leaf: Alternate, simple, 2 to 4 inches long and extremely variable in shape (from spatulate to lanceolate), may be 0 to 5 lobed, margins may be entire or bristle-tipped, both surfaces are glabrous, but axillary tufts may be present below. Flower: Staminate flowers borne on catkins. Pistillate flowers borne on spikes, appearing with the leaves. Fruit: Acorns are 1/2 inch long, very dark in color, and 1/3 covered by a flattened cap with appressed scales, maturing in fall of the second year. Twig: Slender, red-brown; buds short, sharp-pointed, angular, red-brown, multiple at the tip. Bark: Dark and quite tight, smooth when young and later with irregular rough patches; much later developing wide, scaly ridges. Form: A medium sized tree with a slender bole and rounded crown with ascending branches.
	USDAFS Silvics of North America - USDAFS Additional Silvics - Landowner Factsheet - USDA Plants Database Quercus nigra is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting water oak (opens a new window).