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Glite Dictionary
Quercus nigra

Quercus nigra

9.0
A type of oak tree from the southeastern United States that loses its leaves and grows in wet soil
  • noun
  • /ˈkwɜrkəs ˈnɪɡrə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : roble de agua
  • Gardeners appreciate Quercus nigra for its ability to thrive in wet soils and provide shade during the hot months.

Examples

  • The park is lined with mature Quercus nigra providing welcome shade in the summer.

  • Due to its rapid growth, Quercus nigra is often planted along streets in southern cities.

  • Botanists studied the growth patterns of Quercus nigra in swampy areas.

  • The Quercus nigra provides excellent shade in the summer.

  • Many homeowners choose Quercus nigra for their gardens.

  • The large leaves of the Quercus nigra make it a popular choice for providing shade in urban parks.

  • In the moist lowlands, Quercus nigra flourishes, offering habitat for various wildlife species.

Synonyms

water oak
vsQuercus nigra
  • US
1 4.8

A tall oak tree that loses its leaves, grows in wet ground, and gives good shade

is the same species name but used as the scientific formal term

Surface Forms

Quercus nigra singular
Quercus nigras plural

Morphology

Quercus + nigra

The Latin binomial is compositionally genus + specific epithet, so a learner who knows 'Quercus' (oak) and the epithet 'nigra' (black) would understand this refers to a particular oak species (e.g., 'black oak') — that gives partial, predictable information. However, the full encyclopedic sense (common name 'water oak', habitat preferences, and other species-specific facts) is not derivable from the constituents, and many B1 learners will not know Latin epithets, so the transparency is limited.

Etymology

Quercus nigra is a Latin name made of two words. Quercus means 'oak' and nigra means 'black', so the name simply says 'black oak' and fits this oak that often grows in wet places.