Water Oak (Quercus nigra)

Family: Fagaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Quercus nigra is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 8 m (26ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste test can tell when the tannin has been leached. — A staple food for some native North American Indian tribes.; The seed is about 15cm long and wide, it can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a thickening in stews etc or mixed with cereals for making bread.; The seed contains bitter tannins, these can be leached out by thoroughly washing the seed in running water though many minerals will also be lost.; Either the whole seed can be used or the seed can be dried and ground it into a powder.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry woods or borders of streams and bottomlands. The best specimens are found in well-drained, silty clay or loamy soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)