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scrub oak
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scrub oak

tree species, Quercus ilicifolia
Also known as: Quercus ilicifolia, bear oak
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Quick Summary

Scrub oak refers to several small, shrubby trees belonging to the genus Quercus, native to dry North American soils. The term specifically denotes Quercus ilicifolia, also known as bear oak, found in the eastern United States. This ornamental shrub typically reaches about 6 meters (20 feet) in height and is characterized by its dense branching, holly-like leaves, and small acorns.1

Other varieties include the California scrub oak (Q. berberidifolia) and Nuttall’s scrub oak (Q. dumosa) in the west. The latter is an endangered evergreen shrub. The Rocky Mountain scrub oak, or Gambel oak (Q. gambelii), can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) tall.1

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