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Bear Oak
Quercus ilicifolia
Shrub/TreeBear Oak
Quercus ilicifolia
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Full Sun
Water
Dry
Soil
Sandy, Well-drained
Size
8-15'
Bloom
Green, Apr–May
Why Grow It
Wildlife Food
Berries & seeds feed birds and wildlife
Erosion Control
Deep roots stabilize slopes & banks
Caterpillar Host
Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies
Drought Tolerant
Thrives with little water once established
Did You Know?
Called Bear Oak because black bears rely heavily on its small, abundant acorns.
Adapted to fire-prone habitats — resprouts vigorously from roots after wildfire.
One of the smallest oaks in North America, rarely exceeding 15 feet tall.
Wildlife Value
🦃
Turkey & Game Birds
Acorns are a critical fall food source for wild turkey and ruffed grouse
🐻
Bear Food
Black bears seek out bear oak stands for their prolific acorn crops
Good Companions
🌿 Little Bluestem
🌸 Wild Lupine
⭐ Prairie Smoke
Planting Guide
- Plant in full sun in well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- Space 8–10″ apart; grows slowly but forms dense thickets
- No fertilizer needed — thrives in nutrient-poor soil
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li