Quercus ilicifolia
Scrub Oak
General
A small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is distinguished by its holly-like leaves, which feature spiny margins, giving it a unique appearance among oaks. Bear oak thrives in a variety of habitats from dry uplands to moist valleys, providing important habitat and food for wildlife throughout its range.
Plant Description
Displays distinctive holly-like leaves with sharply serrated edges, resembling those of the holly plant. Its bark is smooth and gray when young, gradually developing shallow fissures and becoming darker with age. This small to medium-sized tree typically forms a rounded crown, making it recognizable in diverse forest and woodland habitats across eastern North America.
Height (ft)
12-20'
Spread (ft)
15-20'
Soil moisture
Low
Soil types
Sandy, acidic soils, medium to coarse in texture
Shade tolerance
Full sun to partial shade
Bloom color
Yellow-green catkins
Bloom period
Spring
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
None
Drought tolerance
Medium
Salinity tolerance
None
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Found from southern Maine westward to eastern Ohio and southward to northern Georgia and Alabama.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]