Tree Description
Nuttall oaks are large, but infrequent, trees of the bottomlands, reaching heights of 75 feet with trunks about 2 feet in diameter. The upper limbs are ascending, while the lower limbs often droop. The base develops a buttress on larger trees.
Range / Site Description
These trees occur on the edges of forested wetlands, sloughs, terraces, and moist sites along major river systems in southeast Texas.
Leaf
The leaves are simple and alternate, 4” to 6” long and 2” to 5” wide, with 5-7 pinnate, bristle-tipped lobes, most often with deep, rounded sinuses between the lobes. The leaves are dark green and glossy on top and pale green below.
Flower & Fruit
Male and female flowers are borne in spring on the same tree. The male flowers occur on catkins up to 5” long, and the female flowers are less conspicuous.
The fruit is an acorn, ¾” to 1 ¼” long and up to ¾” wide. It is oblong, dark brown, and enclosed about one-third its length by a thick, deep acorn cup.
Interesting Facts
Recently, the scientific name for this species was changed from ‘nuttallii’ to ‘texana’ and the official species name for Texas red oak switched from ‘texana’ to ‘buckleyi’ making the red oak group confusing.
Species Summary
| Scientific Name: | Quercus texana |
| Secondary Names: | N/A |
| Tree Type: | Deciduous |
| Dimensions: | Height: 75 feet Trunk Diameter: 2 feet |
| Leaf Structure: | Simple, alternate |
| Leaf Size: | 4-6 inches long and 2-5 inches wide |
| Leaf Shape: | 5-7 pinnate, bristle-tipped lobes |
| Leaf Margin: | Lobed and Parted |
| Additional Information: | iNaturalist – Nuttall Oak |
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service Trees of Texas – Nuttall Oak