This water oak, Quercus nigra, was found growing in partial shade along a creek bed in damp, sandy soil. Its trunk was erect, but its branches were long as if competing with other vegetation for sunlight. The ground was completely covered with leaf litter, fallen, decomposing woody debris, vines and other foliage. Nearby associates were yaupon, loblolly pine, supple vine, mustang grape, boneset, and various grasses. No acorns were found on this tree. Quercus nigra is native to America growing predominantly in the Gulf Coast states. It prefers acidic soil and full sun but will adapt to partial shade. Under ideal conditions water oaks will grow 24 inches a year, and up to 50 to 100 feet tall. Leaves are spoon shaped, deciduous, arranged alternately, and may have three lobes or more at the tip of each leaf. It is not a long-lived tree, averaging 50 to 60 years and has a tendency for limb breakage from wind and ice. It is susceptible to all the usual oak diseases. Water oaks are monoecious having both male and female flowers on one tree. First acorns are produced after the tree is 20 years old. Under ideal conditions water oaks grow into handsome trees with their rounded crowns and fall foliage They are good trees for stream beds and are used in bottom land restoration. They provide food, cover, and habitat for mammals, birds, and insects.

Growing in abundance at the edge of pond. Soil is charizo, silty-sand. The pond is surrounded by Loblolly pines with Black Jack and Post Oaks. Using the Flora of North America to key this heterostylous species. Roots show no rhizomes or stolons; Ocrea is paper-like with short bristles--not transparent or long bristles. Achenes are discoid. No glands or punctate evident.