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(Quercus arizonica)
Arizona White Oak (Quercus arizonica)
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Homer Edward Price
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Homer Edward Price
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Homer Edward Price | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: homeredwardprice | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Quercus arizonica, commonly known as Arizona White Oak, is a semi-deciduous tree native to oak woodlands and pine-oak forests in the Southwestern USA and Northwestern Mexico. It is one of the largest oaks in the Southwest, capable of reaching up to 60 feet (18 meters) in height with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches). The Arizona White Oak has stout branches and a spreading crown, providing a robust structure. Its leaves are typically dark green and turn yellow or brown before dropping in the fall. The oblong acorns, 1⁄2 to 1 inch long, have distinctive bowl-shaped caps covering one-third of the nut and usually mature in autumn. The tree’s flowers are monoecious, with female flowers appearing as small spikes in the leaf axils and male flowers as long, drooping, yellowish-green catkins.
The Arizona White Oak is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in extreme temperatures, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic landscapes. It is often used as a shade tree in parks and large gardens due to its broad crown. This oak is also appreciated for its wildlife value, as the acorns provide food for various bird and mammal species. Cultivation requires minimal water once established, and it adapts well to a range of rocky or sandy soils, including clay loam, clay, medium loam, or rocky substrates. While it prefers full sun or part shade, it is versatile and can tolerate various light conditions. Gardeners should note that the acorns can be a litter nuisance, and the tree’s size may be too large for small residential landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Arizona White Oak is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in extreme temperatures, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic landscapes. It is often used as a shade tree in parks and large gardens due to its broad crown. This oak is also appreciated for its wildlife value, as the acorns provide food for various bird and mammal species. Cultivation requires minimal water once established, and it adapts well to a range of rocky or sandy soils, including clay loam, clay, medium loam, or rocky substrates. While it prefers full sun or part shade, it is versatile and can tolerate various light conditions. Gardeners should note that the acorns can be a litter nuisance, and the tree’s size may be too large for small residential landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 13-50 feet
- Width: 7-35 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to oak woodlands and pine-oak forests
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Quercus arizonica, Quercus endemica, Quercus arizonica var. wootonii, Quercus sacame,
GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus arizonica Sarg.