Photo of Quercus rugosa foliage by Bodofzt

Photo by Bodofzt

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Quercus rugosa

Also Known As

  • Quercus reticulata
  • Netleaf Oak

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 20'-30'
  • W: 20'-30'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

More Options

Quercus rugosa plant details

Quercus rugosa is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring flowers emerge followed by brown and green fruit. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, pollution tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Quercus rugosa

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: fagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 20 FT - 30 FT - wide, 20 FT - 30 FT - tall
Uses: rare, showy, xeric, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Quercus rugosa

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat, pollution and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Found in Mexico and the southern US, neatleaf oak is a wonderful large shrub or, trimmed to tree form, a small tree to as much as 30 ft tall and wide. Evergreen leaves are handsome -- thick and leathery, rounded on the ends with slightly toothed margins and may turn bright red before dropping -- as they do occasionally. Spring catkins develop into acorns on 2" stems. A fine specimen tree or shrub for the dry garden in sun to part shade with well-drained soil. Does well on the coast. Frost hardy to 0F, USDA zone 7.
Found only on wooded slopes and canyons at relatively high elevations in TX, NM and AZ, this striking large-shrub/small tree (<30') has large round thick evergreen leaves. Bears acorns on stems up to 2" long! S-PSh/M-D
Although I'm a little bit confused about the taxonomy of Quercus rugosa vs. Q. reticulata, I think these plants I offer from collections in southern Arizona are correctly Q. reticulata. This rugged small evergreen tree is one of many plants from the mountains of the Southwest that performs splendidly in Northwest gardens. It is perfect for the dry garden, though it will also tolerate irrigation. It may eventually reach 25' but is somewhat slow to start off. Hardy to -10 °F.

Gardening facts about Quercus rugosa plant

How to Grow Quercus rugosa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • pollution tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Fruit

    • green
    • brown
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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