Quercus texana aka Texas Red Oak

Quercus texana, or Nuttall oak, is a large deciduous tree. It belongs to the oak family, Fagaceae. Its native range lies in the central southern United States. It grows in floodplain woods along the Gulf Coast. Its range also follows the Mississippi River basin. These sites have wet, heavy soils. This oak grows fast and needs ample room for its crown.

Garden trees reach 40–80 feet [12.2–24.4 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 30–65 feet [9.1–19.8 metres]. One source reports heights of 100 feet [30.5 metres]. The crown starts fairly narrow and open, then rounds with age. The tree may hold onto dead branches. Young bark is smooth and grey-brown. Older bark turns black and forms flat ridges. The smooth twigs range from brown to grey. Small hairs cover parts of the buds.

The leaves grow alternately along the twigs. Each simple leaf has five to nine deep lobes. Some lobe tips carry bristles. Leaves have pale undersides, with hair tufts where veins meet. New leaves emerge reddish-purple, then turn dark green in summer. Autumn brings red and orange tones before the leaves fall. Fall colour can vary between years in warmer zones. Bare branches add winter interest. Spring flowers include clusters of yellow-green male catkins. The flowers offer little visual interest. Brown, oval acorns take two years to mature. A thin, scaly cap covers about one-third to half the nut.

Plant this oak in full sun. Rich, moist, acidic loam gives it good growing conditions. It also accepts sand, heavy clay, and neutral soil. It suits low ground with wet soil and rain gardens. Established trees can cope with drought. Sources list medium water needs and medium upkeep. Its listed USDA hardiness range is zones 6–9. It serves as a shade tree on large lawns. It also tolerates urban sites and works as a street tree.

Birds and small mammals eat the acorns. The tree hosts caterpillars of many moths and butterflies. It has some resistance to deer. NC State reports no serious pest or disease problems. Raw acorns and young leaves can cause poisoning. Reported effects include stomach pain, constipation, and later bloody diarrhoea. Excess thirst and urination may also occur. The tree poses a risk to horses. Acorns are edible only after leaching or boiling removes their tannins.