Quercus ilicifolia, commonly known as Bear Oak or Scrub Oak, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to dry, sandy soils of oak-pine barrens, ridgetops, and outcrops in the Eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It is a slow-growing plant that typically reaches up to 20 feet in height but is often found much shorter, around 6-10 feet, with a similar spread. Bear Oak has a rugged appearance with a twisted trunk and branches, and its leaves are smaller and more variable in shape than those of larger oaks. The foliage turns a modest yellow-brown in the fall. In spring, it produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers, followed by small acorns that are a valuable food source for wildlife.

Bear Oak is valued for its ability to thrive in poor, dry soils and its use in restoration and conservation projects, particularly in areas prone to fire, as it is adapted to regenerate after burning. It is also used for wildlife gardens and naturalized areas. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils, tolerates drought, and prefers full sun to part shade. While not commonly found in nurseries, it can be a unique addition to a native plant garden. It has no major disease problems, but its growth can be stunted in overly fertile or moist soils.CC BY-SA 4.0