Audubon® Native Nuttall Oak

Nuttall’s Oak is a landscaper’s dream and a bird’s dream come true! This tall, tough, fast-growing shade tree is a marvelous addition to any yard, garden, suburban street, or even downtown parking lot. Its neat, pyramidal form, glossy green leaves, and deep orange-red fall color make it a premium landscape plant all year long. Far from being just a pretty picture Nuttall’s Oak is a boon for birds! Songbirds such as Chickadees, Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, and Bluebirds are some of the many species nourished by the insects found in its canopy.

Nuttall’s Oak is closely related to Pin Oak, which is probably the most often-planted Oak in the U.S. Both are fast-growing, undemanding trees with excellent fall color and a pyramidal shape. There are a couple of distinctions, however. Nuttall’s Oak has larger acorns; these squirrel, jay, duck, and turkey treats are produced abundantly every year once the tree is mature. Nuttall’s Oak also has a much more southernly native range than Pin Oak. It does not stray far from the lower Mississippi River Valley and the adjacent states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

The stiff, sturdy, dense branching pattern of Nuttall’s Oak makes fine nesting habitat for birds. Hummingbirds, kingbirds, blue jays, robins, and gnatcatchers feel secure in its branches and may make their home there.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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