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Bear Oak

Quercus Ilicifolia

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Overview

Quercus ilicifolia, commonly known as Bear Oak, is a rugged deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 10-20 ft. Adaptable to poor soils, it thrives in full sun with a slow growth rate. Bear Oak's leaves change from glossy green to red-brown in fall, and its acorns provide wildlife forage. Its hardy nature and moderate size make it ideal for adding texture to landscapes in USDA zones 4-7.

Sun Full, HalfWater Low, Very LowZones 8–9Climate Mediterranean

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low, Very Low
USDA zones
8–9

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Fagaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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Photos (69)

Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — Bear Oak's leaves change from glossy green to red-brown in fall, and its acorns provide wildlife forage
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — commonly known as Bear Oak
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — reaching heights of 10-20 ft
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — Adaptable to poor soils, it thrives in full sun with a slow growth rate
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — is a rugged deciduous shrub or small tree
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — This small to medium-sized oak typically reaches heights of 15 to 20 feet with a similar spread
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — deciduous native species that provides a natural
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — rugged aesthetic to any landscape
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — Its hardy nature and moderate size make it ideal for adding texture to landscapes in USDA zones 4-7
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — boasting a naturally shrubby and dense growth pattern
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — but it can occasionally grow up to 30 feet
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — They range from 2 to 5 inches long and display a lustrous dark green hue on the topside
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — with their bristle-tipped lobes and holly-like appearance
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — It exhibits a round to irregular canopy
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — and browns.<br><br>The Bear Oak is adapted to a range of soil types
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — typically a rich assortment of reds
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — acidic soils and full sun to partial shade environments
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — though it flourishes best in well-drained
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — These leaves turn a variety of colors in the fall
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — As a drought-tolerant species
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — it requires minimal water which makes it a suitable choice for xeriscaping
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — adding an ecological benefit to your landscape design
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — This species is also known for its acorns that frequently attract wildlife
Bear Oak (Quercus Ilicifolia) — Being somewhat slow-growing

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