Quercus nigra
Water Oak, Spotted or Possum Oak

Mature Height: 50-125'     Longevity: 200 years

3-8 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

7-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: Is present in some upland areas. Drought tolerance listed from low to high. Upland soils are generally moist & best described as mesic. Most common in wet to mesic areas.

8: Can tolerate couple weeks of flooding during most years but does not tolerate prolonged flooding.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z7. (SOUTH) Solid Z8 w/ deep enough intrusion into FL & presence in TX to warrant a Z9

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS.

6   Sun Strength

3   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
6.5 = Rapid
0 = Not Pioneer
-.4 = 1 Minor
0 = Conflict
0 = No
0 = 65'
0 = 125'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
3.2 = slightly > intolerant
0 = Not common climax
-.4 = 1 Minor
0 = Conflict
0 = No
0 = 65'
-.1 = 200 years

TOTAL SCORE (6.1): NRCS Plant database 20 yr height not impressive for a rapid tree. Limited soil order presence lowers score.

TOTAL SCORE (2.7): 200 year maximum longevity based on 175 year average lifespan reported in FSA.

3   Fire Strength

2   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Low (Big Tree) = 3
Fire Effects (FEIS) database indicates low level of fire tolerance.
Final Value = 3

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Litlle information. Poor wood, susceptible to pests but not very tall. Couple of sources on internet at university sites indicates tree has weak wood and can be prone to wind damage. Assign low value
Final Value = 2