Not a Grass (Water Oak Foliage)
Quercus nigra · Dicotyledonous woody perennial (Tree)
Grass Family
Fagaceae (Beech/Oak family)
Grass Category
Deciduous/Semi-evergreen Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (Wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6 through 9
About This Grass
The provided image shows the leaves of a Water Oak, not a grass. It features dull green, spatulate or obovate leaves that are often three-lobed at the tip. The bark is smooth and grey on young trees, becoming furrowed with age.
Blade Characteristics
Leaves are 2-4 inches long, variable in shape (often 'duck-foot' shaped), with a narrow base and broader tip; not linear grass blades.
Root System
Deep taproot initially, developing a wide-spreading lateral root system as it matures; high moisture requirement.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeastern United States (Coastal Plain and Piedmont)
Growth Habit
Large tree with a rounded crown, reaching heights of 60-100 feet
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soils; found frequently near streams and bottomlands.
Mowing & Maintenance
Not applicable; requires pruning for structural integrity rather than mowing.
Special Characteristics
Fast-growing but relatively short-lived for an oak (60-80 years); provides significant shade but has weak wood prone to storm damage.
Ecological Information
Native to the US; provides high wildlife value through acorn production for deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys; serves as a host plant for numerous lepidoptera species.