Quercus nigra – Duck oak, Water oak

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Fagaceae

Quercus nigra – Duck oak, Water oak

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A large tree with regular round crown. In nature, the tree can reach a height of over 30 m, but in culture it is rarely taller than around 24 m. The young twigs are strikingly brown-red. The old bark is dark grey and slightly grooved with small flat plates. Very variable leaf shape, from obovate to narrow elongated, depending on its age. The leaf margins vary from smooth-edged to 3-5 lobed, the lobes being on the upper half of the leaf. The glossy green leaf gives the tree a healthy appearance. The broad-oval acorns are 1 to 1.5 cm long and the same width. They are only enclosed by the cupule at their base. The cupule is covered in reddish-brown scales with felt-like hair. Q. nigra is semi-evergreen but usually deciduous in North-West Europe. The tree can tolerate a lot of warmth and likes a fairly moist but well-drained, fertile soil.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2025.
Availability
Important notice: Due to legal restrictions, this product is unfortunately not available for delivery in your region. Please contact us to discuss possible alternatives. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Specifications
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Height
15 - 20 m
Width
12-18m
Crown
round, half-open crown
Bark and branches
twigs brown-red, bark grey-brown, slightly grooved
Leaf
obovate to narrow elongated, smooth-edged to shallow-lobed, glossy green, 5 - 11 cm
Flowers
golden yellow ♂ catkin, May
Fruits
broad oval, 1 - 1.5 cm, in ones and twos, cupule with felt-like, hairy reddish-brown scales
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
few requirements
Soil moisture
suitable for wet soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
6 (-23,3 to -17,8 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind, resistant to de-icing salt
Application
avenues and broad streets, industrial areas
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
South East USA
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree calcareous soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to de-icing salt resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for wet soil can withstand wind 1st size , taller than 12 metres half-open crown green yellow average growing non-toxic (usually)
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Frequently asked questions
Quercus nigra

Quercus nigra can eventually reach a height of 15 - 20 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Quercus nigra is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 15 - 20 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Quercus nigra is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Quercus nigra with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Quercus nigra blooms in may.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.