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Quercus grisea
Quercus grisea Liebm.
Gray Oak, Scrub Oak, Shin Oak
Fagaceae (Beech Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: QUGR3
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Gray oaks are large shrubs or small trees reaching a maximum height of 30 ft. Deciduous, leathery, oval leaves are dull, blue-green, sometimes turning crimson in fall. Low clump-forming shrub or small tree, sometimes medium-sized, with grayish foliage.
Of greatest size in moist canyons, Gray Oak is most common as a shrub in New Mexico. It is easily seen in the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. It is closely related to Arizona White Oak (Quercus arizonica), a larger tree with larger leaves and sunken veins. Common and scientific names describe the color of the foliage.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Inflorescence: Catkin
Fruit Type: Nut
Size Notes: Height to 50 ft., width to 40 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , BrownBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AZ , CO , NM , TXNative Distribution: Trans-Pecos TX w. to AZ, south to Puebla in central Mexico
Native Habitat: Rocky, igneous or dolomitic slopes & canyons
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Igneous, Limestone-based, Acid-based, Sandy, Dry, igneous soils.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 766 - Dale Groom's Texas Gardening Guide (2002) Groom, D.Bibref 298 - Field Guide to Texas Trees (1999) Simpson, B.J.
Bibref 355 - Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest (1991) Miller, G. O.
Bibref 291 - Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Quercus grisea in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Quercus grisea in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Quercus grisea
Metadata
Record Modified: 2017-10-25Research By: TWC Staff