Flowers:

Quercus nuttallii is monoecious, meaning it produces both male and female flowers on the same tree. Blooming occurs in mid to late spring (April–May).

• Male Flowers: Appear as long, drooping yellow-green catkins, typically measuring 2–4 inches in length. These catkins release pollen into the air for wind pollination.
• Female Flowers: Small, reddish-green, spike-like structures, usually located near the base of new leaf growth. Once pollinated, these develop into acorns.

The flowers are not particularly showy, but they play a crucial role in seed production and are a seasonal resource for pollinators.

Fruit (Acorns):

• Produces small to medium-sized acorns, typically measuring ¾ to 1 inch in length.
• Each acorn has a thin, shallow cap that covers about ¼ to ⅓ of the nut, with a slightly rough, scaly texture.
• The acorns mature in one season, ripening in early fall (September–October) and dropping in late autumn to early winter.
• Acorns are an important food source for wildlife, including deer, turkeys, ducks, and squirrels.

Compared to other red oaks, Quercus nuttallii produces a high volume of acorns annually, making it a valuable species for wildlife conservation and reforestation.

Foliage:

• Deciduous, with deeply lobed leaves measuring 4–8 inches long.
• Leaves have 5 to 9 sharply pointed lobes, with deep sinuses similar to northern red oak (Quercus rubra) but slightly narrower.
• The upper surface is dark green and glossy, while the underside is paler and slightly hairy along the veins.
• Fall Color: One of the most brilliant red oaks, turning vibrant shades of red, scarlet, and orange in autumn, often lingering well into winter.

Summary of Key Features:

• Flowers: Yellow-green male catkins (2–4 inches long) and small reddish female flowers in spring.
• Fruit: Medium-sized acorns (¾ to 1 inch), with a shallow cap; ripen in early fall.
• Foliage: Deeply lobed, glossy green leaves; turns brilliant red in fall.

Planting & Site Selection

• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) but can tolerate partial shade in younger stages.
• Soil Requirements: Adapts well to a variety of soils, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. Thrives in moist, well-drained soils but is tolerant of both seasonal flooding and moderate drought once established.
• pH Preference: Neutral to slightly acidic soils (pH 5.0–7.0). It does not perform well in highly alkaline soils.

Watering

• Requires regular moisture during establishment (first 2–3 years). Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
• Mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering in extended drought conditions.
• Well-suited for lowland areas, floodplains, and stream banks, tolerating seasonal flooding better than many other oaks.

Fertilization

• Typically, fertilization is unnecessary in natural settings. However, in urban or poor soils, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring can enhance growth.
• Mulching with organic materials (such as hardwood mulch or decomposed leaves) around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to encourage strong structure.
• Avoid heavy pruning in spring and summer to reduce the risk of oak wilt disease.
• Has a naturally strong central leader and well-balanced branching, making it a low-maintenance shade tree.

Pests & Diseases

• Resistant to most pests and diseases, though it may occasionally be affected by:
• Generally deer-resistant, but young saplings may be browsed.

Growth Rate & Longevity

• One of the fastest-growing red oaks, with an annual growth rate of 2–3 feet per year under ideal conditions.
• Typically reaches 40–60 feet in height with a 40-foot spread at maturity, though it can grow taller in optimal conditions.
• Long-lived species, often surviving 100+ years.

Wildlife & Ecological Benefits

• Produces abundant acorns that are a valuable food source for deer, squirrels, turkeys, ducks, and other wildlife.
• Provides excellent shade and nesting habitat for birds and beneficial insects.
• Well-suited for reforestation projects, wildlife conservation, and urban plantings due to its fast growth, adaptability, and tolerance to wet conditions.

Winter Hardiness

• Fully hardy in zones 5–9, tolerating cold down to -20°F (-29°C).
• Deciduous in winter, with leaves turning brilliant red in fall before dropping.

Uses in the Landscape

• Excellent shade tree for parks, streets, and large landscapes.
• Ideal for wet areas, such as riverbanks, retention basins, and floodplains.
• Urban-friendly species, tolerating compacted soils and air pollution.
• Wildlife-friendly planting, providing shelter and food for native fauna.