Quercus incana, commonly known as Bluejack Oak, is a deciduous tree native to dry, sandy, and acidic soils of pine barrens and oak scrub habitats in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. Its range extends from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas, reaching inland to Oklahoma and Arkansas. Typically, it grows to about 33 feet tall, but it can reach a maximum height of 49 feet. The Bluejack Oak has a distinctive appearance with its glossy green leaves that have a woolly, bluish underside, and it produces small, rounded acorns that are a valuable food source for wildlife.

The Bluejack Oak is valued for its adaptability to poor, sandy soils and its resistance to fire, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in its native range. It is also used for restoration projects in pine barrens ecosystems. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained, acidic soil. While it is not commonly used in urban settings due to its specific soil requirements, it is an important species for wildlife habitats, supporting various animals including Sherman’s fox squirrel. It is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to oak wilt disease.CC BY-SA 4.0