Description

Quercus ilicifolia is a deciduous tree or shrub growing occasionally reaching a height of 20 feet but usually much smaller. It is "gangly" and can form a dense thicket. The plant grows from a large taproot which can be up 8 inches thick. The taproot lives a long time, producing several generations of above-ground parts. . The species is monoecious, with plants bearing both male catkins and solitary or clustered female flowers. The egg-shaped acorn is 0.4-0.8 inch long with a saucer-shaped cap. The plant reproduces sexually by seed and also vegetatively by sprouting new stems.