Scrub oak

Stacks Image 66
Quercus ilicifolia
SCRUB OAK

Fagaceae
N.E. North America

Location: map coordinates N-13 (south of Conwell Hall), N 39°11'11'' W 75°32'42''

Planting history: planted November 2010. Source: Go Native Tree Farm, PA. (Dr. S. Yost, USDA NIFA Capacity Building Grant funds).

Description:
  • deciduous shrub or small tree, to 25’ tall
  • etymology: Quercus = the Latin name; ilicifolia = holly (Ilex)-leaved
  • also known as bear oak
  • leaves simple, alternate, small, lobed (ca 5 broadly triangular lobes); white-hairy beneath
  • monoecious (separate male and female flowers on same tree); flowers tiny; male flowers in drooping catkins, female flowers inconspicuous
  • fruit is an acorn (develops from ovary of female flower); food for deer, and turkeys
  • in the “red/black oak group”: leaf lobes with bristle-tips; acorn matures in 2 years, relatively bitter and inedible unless processed
  • end buds clustered (typical of oaks)
  • adapted to disturbance; not shade-tolerant; sprouts to form dense thickets; habitat dry, sandy areas, and poor soils

Native species in Delaware, State Rank SH (Historical; historically known in Delaware, but not seen in >20 years)


Stacks Image 76

    HIT REFRESH TO START LOCATION GRAPHIC