Bear Oak

Quercus ilicifolia, commonly known as Bear Oak or Scrub Oak, is a small shrubby oak native to the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This oak is a deciduous tree or shrub growing up to 8 meters tall. It is "gangly" and can form a dense thicket. The plant grows from a large taproot which can be up to 20 centimeters thick. The taproot lives a long time, producing several generations of aboveground parts. The alternately arranged leaves are each up to 15 centimeters long by 10 wide. The species is monoecious, with plants bearing both male catkins and solitary or clustered female flowers. The egg-shaped acorn is 1 to 2 centimeters long with a saucer-shaped cap. The plant reproduces sexually by seed and vegetatively by sprouting new stems.