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Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn
Quercus emoryi Torr.
Emory oak, Black Oak, Bellota, Roble Negro, Holly Oak, Apache Oak, Desert Live Oak, Western Black Oak
Fagaceae (Beech Family)
USDA Symbol: QUEM
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Emory oak is a 30-60 ft. oak with a round crown, very roughly furrowed black bark and nearly evergreen leaves. Glossy, leathery leaves, arranged in whorls, resemble holly leaves. They drop gradually in the spring with the new foliage appearing soon thereafter. Red acorns with have a yellow cap. Medium-sized evergreen tree with straight trunk, rough black bark, rounded crown, and shiny yellow-green leaves.
Emory Oak is the most characteristic tree of the oak woodland in mountains along the Mexican border. The acorns (bellotas in Spanish) are only slightly bitter and are gathered and eaten locally. They are also consumed in quantities by quail, wild turkeys, squirrels, and other wildlife. The foliage is browsed by deer and, to a lesser extent, by livestock. This species was named for its discoverer, William Hemsley Emory (1811-87), leader of two southwestern expeditions.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen , Semi-evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Leaf Margin: Dentate
Leaf Texture: Leathery
Breeding System: Monoecious
Fruit Type: Nut
Size Notes: Height to 70 ft., width to 75 ft.
Leaf Color: dark green, stiff and glossy.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Bloom Notes: Yellow catkins.
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXNative Distribution: Mts. of Trans-Pecos, TX to c. AZ & n.w. Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry foothills; moist canyons; 5000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium , HighLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Does not grow on alkaline soils. Must have acid soils, and moisture.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: AttractiveUse Wildlife: Fruit-mammals, Fruit-birds, Nesting site, Substrate-insectivorous birds, Cover, Provides food and cover for deer, javelina, quail, turkey, desert bighorn sheep, birds.
Attracts: Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Quercus emoryi is a larval host and/or nectar source for:|
Oculea silkmoth (Antheraea oculea)  Larval Host |
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX
Bibliography
Dale Groom's Texas Gardening Guide (2002) Groom, D.Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest (1991) Miller, G. O.
* Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Quercus emoryi in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Quercus emoryi in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Quercus emoryi
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-12-10Research By: TWC Staff
