General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Bottomland forests, floodplains, wet hammocks, along rivers and streams
Native States: FL, GA, AL, MS, LA, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD, DE, PA, OH, IN, IL, MO, AR, TX, OK
Growing Zones: 5–9
Size at Maturity: 60–80 feet tall, 40–60 feet wide
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, rounded crown
Bloom Season: Spring
Bloom Color: Yellowish-green (inconspicuous catkins)
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Loam, clay, sand (well-drained but moist)
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist, adaptable
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: Yes
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Shade tree, restoration plantings, riparian buffers, large residential or park settings
Maintenance Tips: Allow room for large size; mulch to conserve moisture; minimal pruning needed
Considerations: Large acorns may be a cleanup concern; deep taproot makes transplanting difficult when mature
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: Yes (acorns edible after leaching tannins; used historically for flour)
Pet Safe: Yes (though acorns may pose a risk if consumed in large amounts)
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: No
Historical Medicinal Uses: Tannins from bark used for astringent and antiseptic purposes
Florida Native Companion Plant: Southern Magnolia, Swamp Tupelo, Red Maple
Wildlife Benefit: Birds, squirrels, deer, turkey, pollinators (catkins), mast-producing for wildlife
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes – supports dozens of moth and butterfly species including White M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album)