treeN. America Native

Nuttall Oak

Quercus texana

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

South-central United States

Toxicity

Acorns are toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in large quantities.

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus texana, or Nuttall Oak, is a fast-growing deciduous oak in the red oak group, native to bottomlands of the south-central United States. It is known for its adaptability, good form, and reliable fall color. This species is increasingly popular as a street and shade tree because it is faster growing than many other oaks and tolerates both wet soils and moderate drought better than relatives like Pin Oak. It avoids the iron chlorosis issues that plague Pin Oak in alkaline soils.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Nuttall Oak is a handsome, stately tree with a pyramidal shape when young, maturing to a broad, rounded crown. Its deeply lobed leaves are an attractive glossy green in summer, turning to shades of red and reddish-brown in the fall.

Its relatively fast growth rate for an oak makes it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a shade tree that will provide benefits within their lifetime. Its tolerance of wet clay soils makes it a valuable problem-solver for difficult sites.

Oaks are keystone species, and Nuttall Oak is no exception. It is a host plant for hundreds of species of caterpillars (e.g., hairstreaks, duskywings), which are critical food for nesting birds. The acorns are a vital food source for wildlife such as deer, squirrels, turkeys, and wood ducks.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with room for a large tree to grow.
This oak prefers moist, acidic soils but is highly adaptable.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
Place the tree so its root flare is visible at the soil line.
Backfill with the excavated soil, tamping lightly.
Water slowly and deeply, and apply a wide ring of mulch.

Pro Tip

Water consistently for the first 2-3 years after planting to establish a deep root system, which is key to its future vigor.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Protect the trunk from lawnmower and string trimmer damage.
Prune only when fully dormant (winter) to reduce the risk of oak wilt.
Allow lower branches to remain on young trees for a few years to build trunk caliper.
Provide supplemental water during extended summer droughts.

Don't

Do not prune oaks during the growing season (April-October).
Avoid compacting the soil over the root zone with vehicles or construction.
Do not pile mulch against the trunk ('mulch volcano').
Do not plant in high pH (alkaline) soils if possible, though it is more tolerant than Pin Oak.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fast-growing and durable shade tree for large lawnsExcellent street or park tree due to its adaptabilityValuable tree for reforestation and wetland restoration projects

Companion Plants

Amelanchier canadensis Ilex verticillata Lindera benzoin Carex pensylvanica Asimina triloba

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Nuttall Oak questions

What zones can Nuttall Oak grow in?

Nuttall Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Nuttall Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Nuttall Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Nuttall Oak bloom?

Nuttall Oak typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Nuttall Oak need full sun?

Nuttall Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).