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Running Oak
ExplorePlants
Running Oak
Quercus pumila
The Running Oak is a small tree that grows low to the ground. It has thick leaves and produces acorns that many animals love to eat.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Running Oak is a low-growing, shrubby plant with a spreading form, rarely reaching tree size. It has small, somewhat leathery, dark green leaves that are often semi-evergreen. Its inconspicuous flowers are yellowish-green catkins, leading to small, dark brown acorns.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even after a big fire, this tough plant quickly sprouts back from its roots!
It often grows in sandy, dry places where many other plants can't survive!
Its 'running' name comes from underground stems that help it spread far!
Native Americans once used its small acorns as a food source after preparation!
Special abilities
Ability
Underground Networker
Running Oak has an extensive rhizome system that helps it spread widely and form large colonies.
Ability
Fire Resurrector
Running Oak can quickly sprout back from its deep root system after fires, a common event in its habitat.
Ability
Sandy Soil Specialist
Running Oak has adaptations to thrive in dry, nutrient-poor sandy soils where many other plants struggle.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-200 cm
- Spread
- 100-300 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.1-0.3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
consumes its acorns
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
browses foliage and acorns
eats
Wild Turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
forages for its fallen acorns
eats
Oak Leaf Tier Moth
Acrobasis demotella
larvae feed on its leaves
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.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
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.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful around trees and watch out for falling branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Running Oak?
50-200 cm
How wide does Running Oak spread?
100-300 cm
How big are the flowers on Running Oak?
0.1-0.3 cm
When does Running Oak bloom?
Spring
Is Running Oak edible?
Yes
Is Running Oak toxic?
None
What is Running Oak's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Running Oak pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
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