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Foliage

Fagaceae (white oak group)

Escarpment Live Oak can be thought of as a smaller version of Live Oak (Q. virginiana). It grows on well-drained soils from alkaline to slightly acid, although it is rare in the heavy clay of the true Blackland Prairies. It is thicket-forming, spreading from root sprouts to form "mottes." Escarpment Live Oak is more drought- and cold-tolerant than Coastal Live Oak (Q. virginiana), and can grow in more alkaline soil. In large portions of Central Texas, the live oak populations are hybrids between Q. fusiformis and Q. virginiana. Both species are susceptible to the oak wilt fungus.

Plant Habit or Use: medium tree

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: green catkins

Blooming Period: spring

Fruit Characteristics: elongated acorn

Height: 20 to 50 ft.

Width: 25 to 40 ft.

Plant Character: evergreen semievergreen

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements: low

Soil Requirements: adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

Additional Comments: