Quercus texana

Common Names

Nuttall's Oak, Texas Red Oak, Texas Oak

Summary

Texas red oak, also known as Nuttall's oak, is a large broadleaf deciduous tree reaching about 50–80 ft tall with a broad, rounded crown. Leaves are alternate, simple, 4–8 inches long with 7–11 bristle-tipped lobes; autumn color is red to red-orange. Acorns are ¾–1 inch long and mature over two years. Native to floodplain bottomlands and wet heavy-clay soils along rivers and streams, it tolerates periodic flooding; its range extends from southern Illinois to eastern Texas and Louisiana. Hardiness zones 6–9.

Prefers full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, from clay to loam to sand, with pH ranging from acidic to alkaline. Drought-tolerant once established and well suited to urban plantings as a specimen or shade tree, street tree, or wildlife habitat; growth is rapid and central leader training is recommended to avoid multiple leaders. Space at 30–40 ft centers to form a closed canopy in 20–25 years. Acorns provide wildlife food, and the tree offers wildlife habitat value. Maintenance includes pruning during dormancy; avoid late-spring/early-summer pruning in areas where oak wilt is present in Texas.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

50-100 feet

Spread

25-50 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun to partial shade

Soil Type

Loamy, deep, fertile, well-drained soil with pH 5.5–7.5

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5-8.0, Slightly acidic to alkaline, Tolerates most soil pH

Bloom Color

Brown, Yellow-green

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast growth, 1–2 feet per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings (semi-hardwood in summer; hardwood in winter), Grafting, Air layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts squirrels and other mammals