Native Plant Trust

Quercus ilicifolia

bear oak, scrub oak


This tree can tolerate some shade, but it prefers open sun with well-draining soils. It has a gnarled appearance and a thicket-like growth habit that wildlife love. Sandy, full sun sites will encourage a more shrub-like form, while average soils with part-sun exposure will encourage a more typical tree-like form.


Height: 3-30 ft
Spread: 3-30 ft
Hardiness Zone: 5-8


Bloom Color: Insignificant

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Species
Exposure
Sun
Soil Moisture
Average
Dry
Ecoregion
(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
(82) Acadian Plains and Hills
(58) Northeastern Highlands
(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
Ornamental Interest
Fall Foliage
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Songbirds
Pollinator Powerhouse Plant
Host Plant
Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Tolerance
Drought Tolerant
Additional Attributes
Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
Naturalize
Specimen
Rock garden
Attractive Fall Foliage and/or Ornamental Fruit
Red to Purple Fall Foliage
Orange to Brown Fall Foliage
Growth Habit
Compact/Clumping


North American Distribution


Cheryl Lowe (c) Native Plant Trust
Cheryl Lowe (c) Native Plant Trust
Photo by Charlie O'Brien, iNaturalist, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/239490388
Photo by Charlie O'Brien, iNaturalist, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/239490388