New

Nuttall Oak

Quercus texana (nuttallii)

$14.00 Sold out
USDA Zones 5–9 Full Sun Matures 60–80 Feet
Size: Bare Root

Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.
The Full Story

Nuttal Oak, named for the early 19th century botanist, Thomas Nuttal, is now called Quercus texana by most botanists. It is a large deciduous red oak native to bottomland forests, primarily in the Gulf Coast states.

It is a good choice for a shade tree or for street tree use as it is fast growing, has nice shape, good fall color, is readily transplanted, and is adapted to a variety of soils including wet clay soils.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Size: Bare Root
Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–9
Sun
Full Sun
Soil
Sandy, Loam, Clay, Moist, Well-drained
Mature size
Height 60–80 Feet · Spread 30–40 Feet
Growth rate
Fast
Seasonality
Deciduous
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

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.
Care

Read our full care guide

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.
Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Also found in
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.