Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Bottomland forests, floodplains, moist woods
Native State, Country: Eastern and central United States
Growing Zones: 5 - 9
Size at Maturity: 60-80 feet tall, 40-60 feet wide
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Growth Habit: Pyramidal when young, becoming more rounded with age; upright, spreading
Bloom Season: Spring (inconspicuous flowers)
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
Soil Texture: Adaptable, prefers well-drained loams, but tolerates some clay and occasional flooding.
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Average to moist
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No, but ecologically valuable
Recommended Landscape Uses: Shade tree, street tree, parks, large yards.
Maintenance Tips: Little maintenance needed once established. Prune to shape when young, if desired.
Considerations: Provide ample space. Relatively pest and disease resistant.
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes, especially when planted in groups or along waterways.
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Edible: Acorns are edible and a food source for wildlife.
Pet Safe: Generally considered safe, but avoid large ingestion of leaves or acorns.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate (young trees may be browsed)
Historical Medicinal Uses: Some traditional medicinal uses by Native Americans, primarily for the bark.
Florida Native Companion Plant: Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam), Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)
Wildlife Benefit: Acorns provide food for birds and mammals. Host plant for various butterfly and moth species.
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, for several species including the Banded Hairstreak
Propagation: Seed (acorns)
Length of time Seed is Viable: Acorns have short viability; plant soon after they fall.
Best month to Start Seeds: Fall (plant acorns immediately)
Seed treatments: None required, but cold stratification can improve germination.