Water
oak is a trooper and likely the most underrated of all the oaks.
Naturally occurring in the bottoms, water oak commonly creeps its way
uphill via blue jays, and squirrels. To us that means it will grow and
produce regularly from the best to not so great sites. No wonder it’s
so common along sidewalks, parks, urban areas, etc. The monstrous trees
lining Grand Boulevard in the delta duck town of Greenwood, MS are all
water oaks. Water oaks produce a small acorn that ducks prefer, and
mature trees can tolerate flooding for a month or two just about every
winter. Due to their extremely high fat content (@20%), deer rake them
in also. Although an early dropper (usually mid October to early
November), their hard shell makes it a great keeper for when food and a
good huntin’ spot is needed the most. It always seems the water oaks
have an uncanny ability to produce on years when none of the other oaks
are producing. Insurance for your crop! When in doubt, plant a water
oak. TREE SIZE UPON DELIVERY - RAPID MAST SEEDLING 10"+
| Zone: |
6 - 9 |
| Soil pH: |
4.5 - 6.5 |
| Mature Height: |
90' |
| Wildlife Value: |
Important cover, habitat, and food for wildlife. Acorns eaten by squirrel, wild turkey, and waterfowl. Some browse by deer. |
| Site Preference: |
Naturally
occurs on moist, alluvial soils along streams and rivers, but tolerates
and routinely produces mast on a variety of sites. |
| Nut Maturity Date: |
October to early November |
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