MONTERREY OAK
Quercus polymorpha
(KWER-kus pol-ee-MOR-fuh)
Mexican White Oak, Mexican Oak, Coahuila Oak, Net Leaf White Oak
| Family | Fagaceae (white oak group) |
| Description |
This white oak specimen is found in the deep canyons of the Sierra Madre in northern Mexico, southward to Guatemala and north to the borderlands of West Texas Relatively new to our region, growing tests appear promising for our alkaline soil and winter hardiness zone |
| Plant habit |
Medium sized shade tree Matures somewhat smaller than live oaks, needing less sprawling space |
| Landscape use | An excellent shade tree with dense foliage useful in wind and sound abatement, this tree shows promise as a substitute for our live oaks which are prone to oak wilt. Provides food and shelter to a variety of benefi cial insects and wildlife |
| Average mature size | 30-40’ tall x 30-40’ wide; can grow to 80’ given ideal conditions |
| Growth rate | Fast; grows tall, then spreads in the manner of live oaks |
| Sun exposure | Sun |
| Soil requirements | Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions |
| Water requirements |
Prefers moist soils, but adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions Tolerates drought once established; possible xeriscape plant |
| Heat tolerance | High |
| Foliage |
Deciduous to evergreen (depending on climatic conditions) New leaves emerge in spring, light pink to rose or red maturing to blue green |
| Flowers | Inconspicuous |
| Blooming period | Spring |
| Fruit characteristics | Acorns provide a food source to diverse array of wildlife |
| Bark | Attractive, scaly |
| Pests and disease | Resistant to oak wilt |
| Other |
Consider provenance (origin) of the tree; purchase a tree grown from a regional seed source to ensure adaptability, as nursery stock of unknown origin may not survive (ask your nursery professional) Monterrey oaks are often found as a hybrid with bur oak, chinkipin oak, and red oak parentage, which are more susceptible to disease |
Specimens more than ten years old are doing well at the Wildfl ower Center in Austin and at the
San Antonio Botanical Gardens. With cold hardiness shown to be at least 5 degrees Fahrenheit,
this oak may prove to be a very benefi cial plant for Brazos Valley landscapes.
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