Quercus hypoleucoides

Rare and remarkable small tree? (Hillier), this S.W. native becomes a 15-30' tree with bark split into plates and leathery leaves that are downy beneath. S/M-D/GDr

This high elevation evergreen oak comes from Arizona. Our original tree is 30’x 20’ and is glorious year round. The narrow leaves are deep green with gray silver indumentum. So when you look at the tree you see this wonderful two toned effect. In spring, the new growth is chocolate tan. We have grown our plant for 30 years with rhododendrons (watered). But, once established they can grow without summer water.

I don't have enough praise for this beautiful, versatile, and undeservedly rare evergreen tree. Not only is it my favorite oak, I think it is about everyone's favorite oak who has seen it! Native to the “sky islands” of the Southwest, its distinguishing feature is grey-green leaves backed with beautiful white indumentum that appears as silver when they shimmer in the wind and shine brightly when the sunlight hits them. It also has an appealing habit, growing into a rounded tree of 30' or so over time, and it is moderately vigorous. It will grow in dry or irrigated gardens, but should be in full sun for best results. Hardy to -10 °F.

We first fell in love with this plant in the 1980s upon seeing a collection from an expedition of Boyd Kline and Frank Callahan to northeastern Mexico. Our first up close and personal experience was on New Year's Day, seeing these exquisite 25' tall by 15' wide trees in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeast Arizona where, under bright blue skies and with a few inches of snow on the ground, the dazzling sliver undersides of the leaves reflected as if illuminated by spot light. Fast growing when young. The narrow leaves are very leathery and shiny and can age to maroon on the upper surface in cold temperatures. A plant for sun, well-drained soil, and quite possibly hardy into low to mid USDA zone 6. But we are sure about zone 7. Our favorite oak, really.