Quercus nuttallii

nuttalloakfull
(Photo by Jessica Bartek)

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Taxonomy (1)

Classification: Angiosperm, dicot
Family: Fagaceae
Common name: Nuttall Oak

General Information (1,2,4,5)

Region of Origin: Louisiana
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 6-8
Growth Habit: Tree

  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous
  • Flowering: March-April; male flowers appear before female flowers

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1)

  • Shape: Lobed

nuttalloakleaf
(Photo by Jessica Bartek)

Stem/Bark (5)

  • Color: Greenish-brown with pale splotches
  • Texture: Rough

nuttalloakstem
(Photo by Jessica Bartek)

Flower (4)

  • Perfect/Imperfect: Imperfect (Monoecious)
  • Color: Yellowish-green (male flowers)
  • Inflorescence type: Catkins (male flowers)

Fruit (1)

  • Fruit type: Nut
  • Size: 2.5 centimeters

Horticultural Information (1,2,3)

  • Light: Full sun
  • pH: 6.0-7.2
  • Maintenance: Easy to care for
  • Landscape Uses: Fill open areas
  • Other: Fertilize in early to mid spring

Interesting Facts (1)

  • Nuttall oak is a consistent producer of acorns making it very important for wildlife species like ducks, squirrels, turkeys, and deer. Nuttall oak acorns are high in protein content (35%) when compared to most other oaks.  Nuttall oak acorns growing in flooded areas can drop acorns and are used to help attract water fowl.

References

1) Christman, S. (2911, January 28). Floridata: Quercus nuttallii. Welcome to Floridata. Retrieved April 3, 2013, from http://www.floridata.com/ref/q/Quercus_nuttallii.cfm.
2) Owings, A. (2012, November 30). Nuttall oak – one of the best oaks for Louisiana - LSU AgCenter. The LSU AgCenter. Retrieved April 3, 2013, from http://www.lsuagcenter.com/news_archive/2012/november/headline_news/Nuttall-oak--one-of-the-best-oaks-for-Louisiana-.htm
3) Nuttall Oak. (n.d.). Mr. Jacks Farm. Retrieved April 3, 2013, from http://www.mrjacksfarm.com/dnn/ShadeTrees/Oaks/Nuttall/tabid/750/Default.aspx
4) Filer, Jr., T. H. (n.d.). Quercus nuttallii . Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry - USDA Forest Service. Retrieved April 3, 2013, from http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/quercus/nutallii.htm
5) Nutall Oak - Quercus nuttallii. (n.d.). North American Insects and Spiders / Tree Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 3, 2013, from http://www.cirrusimage.com/tree_Nuttall_oak.htm

Prepared by Garrett Carter as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek