Quercus ilicifolia
Bear Oak
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.
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Height Range
12-25'
Flower Color
n/a
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Bark Color
Brown
Fruit Color
Brown
Fruit Season
Fall
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Ranch, Woodland
Accenting Features
Multi-trunk Tree, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
n/a
Location Uses
Background, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
Birds, Butterflies
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.