bear oak
ExplorePlants
bear oak
Quercus ilicifolia
The bear oak is a sturdy tree with thick, spiky leaves. It provides shade and homes for many animals. Its acorns are a tasty treat for squirrels and other wildlife.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The bear oak is a small, shrubby tree with distinctively lobed leaves that are glossy dark green above and fuzzy pale green below. Its reddish-brown twigs lead to small, striped acorns partially enclosed by a shallow, scaly cup.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even though it's small, this tough tree can often sprout back quickly after a forest fire!
Its leaves are super shiny on top but feel surprisingly fuzzy underneath, like a soft blanket!
Some bear oak groves are actually one giant plant, connected by unseen underground roots!
The bear oak got its name because black bears absolutely love to munch on its tiny, sweet acorns!
Special abilities
Ability
Fire Resilient
Bear oak can regrow quickly from its roots after a wildfire, helping it survive in fire-prone habitats.
Ability
Tough Soil Survivor
This oak has adapted to grow in poor, dry, sandy, or rocky soils where many other trees struggle to thrive.
Ability
Early Acorn Producer
Bear oaks can produce abundant acorns at a younger age than many other oaks, ensuring food for wildlife.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 200-800 cm
- Spread
- 200-800 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
American Black Bear
Ursus americanus
its sweet acorns are a favorite food source
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
buries and consumes its small acorns
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
browses on its twigs and foliage
shelters
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
nests in its dense branches
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Nut Bearing
Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always stay a safe distance from large trees and watch out for falling branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is bear oak?
200-800 cm
How wide does bear oak spread?
200-800 cm
How big are the flowers on bear oak?
0.5-2 cm
When does bear oak bloom?
Spring
Is bear oak edible?
No
Is bear oak toxic?
None
What is bear oak's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is bear oak pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
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