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Anderson, Wynn
Quercus oblongifolia
Quercus oblongifolia Torr.
Blue Oak, Mexican Blue Oak
Fagaceae (Beech Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: QUOB
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Small evergreen tree with many branches and a spreading, rounded crown of bluish foliage; or a shrub.
This handsome, small oak is limited to the Mexican border region. It is recognized by its light gray, checkered bark and small, blue-green, hairless leaves without teeth. Deer browse the foliage. Although difficult to split, the wood of Mexican Blue Oak is sometimes used for fuel.
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: Up to about 30 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , GreenBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXNative Distribution: Extreme SW. New Mexico, SE. Arizona, and N. Mexico; at 4500-6000' (1372-1829 m).
Native Habitat: Foothills and mountains, sometimes in canyons; in oak woodland, often common, forming open groves at upper edge of desert grassland.
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
Bibref 298 - Field Guide to Texas Trees (1999) Simpson, B.J.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Quercus oblongifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Quercus oblongifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Quercus oblongifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2019-06-20Research By: TWC Staff