Well-drained floodplain forests, alluvial swamps, tidal swamps, wet flatwoods, and low mesic upland forests. Common in the Virginia Coastal Plain; infrequent and more local in the outer Piedmont
The wildlife value is high. The acorns are eaten by woodpeckers, blue jays, small mammals, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Oak trees support a wide variety of Lepidopteran. Also supports the Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus), Edward's Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii), Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album), Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius) and Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis). It attracts a wide range of insects which in turn feed the birds. Provides cover and nesting areas for wildlife
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
Abdominal pain, constipation then diarrhea (occasionally bloody), depression, frequent urination, discolored urine, jaundice; acorns can obstruct the digestive tract
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.