Nuttall Oak

Quercus texana

Nuttall oak was not recognized as a separate species until 1927. It grows on the poorly drained clay flats and low bottoms of the Bootheel. Its leaves and bark are similar to pin oak, a tree it is easily confused with. Nuttall oak may be distinguished from pin oak by its more elongated acorn.

Identifying Characteristics

Height
95 ft
Spread
80 ft
Leaves
alternate, simple, 4" - 8" long; deeply divided into 5-7 narrow long-pointed lobes ending in a few bristle-tipped teeth; wide sinuses between lobes
Flowers
male flowers in yellow-green catkins; female flowers inconspicuous
Fruit
acorn, 3/4" - 1 l/4" long, oblong, usually dark-striped; 1/4 - l/2 enclosed by a deep thick cup
Bark
gray and smooth; becoming dark and furrowed into flat, scaly ridges
Associated species
green ash, sweetgum, baldcypress, bur oak, silver maple
Ideal site conditions
wet soil, full sun
Value to man
landscaping, wood products, windbreaks
Value to wildlife
food, cover, dens
Growth Rate
fast
Range
range