Oak, Nuttall, Bare Root

Nuttall Oak (Quercus texana)

Nuttall Oak is a fast-growing, flood-tolerant red oak native to the lower Mississippi River Valley and Southeastern U.S. It thrives in bottomland soils but adapts well to a wide range of conditions, making it one of the most versatile and reliable oaks for wildlife habitat, restoration, and silvopasture systems. With deeply lobed leaves, brilliant red fall color, and a high acorn yield, Nuttall Oak offers beauty, ecological value, and productivity all in one.

Key Characteristics

• Heavy Acorn Production for Wildlife Forage
  Nuttall Oak is one of the most prolific acorn producers among the red oaks. Its acorns mature in two seasons and provide vital fall and winter food for deer, wild turkey, ducks, squirrels, and other mammals. It’s a favorite species for wildlife corridors and habitat improvement.
• Supports Hundreds of Insect and Bird Species
  As a native oak, Nuttall supports over 500 species of moths and butterflies, making it a critical larval host plant. These insects, in turn, support a wide range of migratory and nesting birds, including woodpeckers and warblers.
• Thrives in Flooded and Compact Soils
  Ideal for bottomland restoration, Nuttall Oak tolerates periodic flooding better than most oaks, yet also grows well in medium soils with good sun exposure. This adaptability makes it a strong candidate for streambank restoration and riparian buffers.
• Fast Growth with Exceptional Fall Color
  Nuttall grows faster than most native oaks, with young trees gaining up to 2–3 feet per year. In fall, its leaves turn a brilliant red to orange-red, providing ornamental value along with ecological function.
• Excellent for Silvopasture, Wetland Edges, and Reforestation
  With its high wildlife value, soil adaptability, and fast growth, Nuttall Oak fits well in silvopasture designs, riparian planting zones, and reforestation of degraded lowlands. It also serves as a strong anchor in native food forests and large-scale conservation plantings.

Product Details

• Native Range: Southeastern U.S., primarily lower Mississippi River Valley
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous tree
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet
• Mature Height: 60–80 feet
• Bloom Time: April–May
• Bloom Color: Yellow-green (catkins)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9

Nuttall Oak is a resilient, fast-growing native red oak with exceptional acorn production, flood tolerance, and wildlife habitat value. It’s a must-have species for restoration projects, silvopasture systems, and any planting where productivity and ecology intersect.