This is a medium sized tree reaching 70-100 ft in height and 3-4 ft in dbh. It has a rounded crown and a slender bole.

Leaves:
 Arrangement: alternate

 Shape: varies – spatulate, oblanceolate or shallowly 3-lobed

 Margin: bristle tipped

 Texture: glabrous above and rarely pubescent below

 Variation: pinnate

The bark is uncharacteristically smooth and thin compared to most oak species. It develops shallow furrows with wide scaly ridges.

The twigs have a light reddish-brown color, and are slender and glabrous. The buds are covered in light brown scales.

Acorns are ½ inch in height with cap covering 1/3 of acorn.

It’s lower branches droop downward with age (ascending branches). Look for the small spatulate leaf shape.

It occurs north to New Jersey, south to northern Florida, and west into Oklahoma.

Water oak is intolerant to shade. It is a classic bottomland species that can sometimes be found on moist to mesic uplands as well, often when it is planted.

It is a valuable source of pulp and lumber. Acorns are eaten by waterfowl, wild turkey, and various other wildlife.