Sign In 
Get Premium Gray Oak
(Quercus grisea)
Gray Oak (Quercus grisea)
/
/
Patrick Alexander
CC0
Image By:
Patrick Alexander
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Patrick Alexander | License Type: CC0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: Josve05a | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Quercus grisea, commonly known as Gray Oak, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous tree or shrub native to oak woodlands and pine-oak forests in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 20-40 feet (6-12 meters) with a similar spread, and it has a rounded form with a dense canopy. The leaves are bluish-green to gray-green, and the bark is deeply furrowed, providing textural interest. The inconspicuous yellow-green flowers are catkins that appear in spring alongside the new leaves. Acorns are notable for their scaly, hairy cups, and light brown color, growing singly or in pairs.
Gray Oak is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for reforestation projects and as a wildlife habitat plant, as its acorns are a food source for birds and mammals. This oak requires minimal maintenance once established and is best suited for full sun to part shade conditions in well-drained soils. It is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases, but oak wilt can be a concern.CC BY-SA 4.0
Gray Oak is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for reforestation projects and as a wildlife habitat plant, as its acorns are a food source for birds and mammals. This oak requires minimal maintenance once established and is best suited for full sun to part shade conditions in well-drained soils. It is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases, but oak wilt can be a concern.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 45-60 feet
- Width: 30-45 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: 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
Oak woodlands and pine-oak forests in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Shin Oak , Scrub Oak
Scientific Names: Quercus grisea , Quercus undulata var. grisea
GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus grisea Liebm.