Join / Renew / Gift Donate Shop Member Portal Language

Search
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Native Plant Society of Texas

Gray Oak

Quercus grisea

Other common name(s):

Scrub Oak, Shin Oak

Family:

Fagaceae (Beech Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

40
to
50
ft.

Spread

30
to
40
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Limestone, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Brown

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Nuts, Forage

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Birds, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Moderate to slow growing, depending on conditions. This species grows best in climates with hot summers; it is drought tolerant and cold hardy. It is in the white oak group and therefore less susceptible to oak wilt. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms March-May. Gray Oaks are characterized by their twisted branches and gnarly trunk. They are low clump forming shrubs or small trees. Its leathery, oval leaves are dull, blue-green to gray, sparsely hairy, sometimes turning crimson in fall. Tiny flowers are clustered on catkins. Acorns are solitary or in clusters of 2-3. The acorn cap woolly within, scales with thickened bases.

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) Wasowski, Sally and Wasowski, Andy, Native Texas Plants, Landscaping Region by Region, 1988, 1991, pg 321. 3) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48. 4) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=12132&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 5) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Quercus+grisea&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 6) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=QUGR3, 7) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=19347#null, 8) https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/quegri/all.html#:~:text=COVER%20VALUE%20%3A%20The%20low%20shrubby,%2C%20and%20racoon%20%5B13%5D., 9) https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Quercus_grisea.html, 10) https://arboretum.arizona.edu/faul-preserve-quercus-rugosa-netleaf-oak, 11) https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/tree-database/gray-oak-quercus-grisea

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Next, you'll need to stratify the acorns. This cold stratification process should last between 30 to 60 days before planting to ensure successful germination. After planting, expect germination to occur within 30 to 60 days. This period is crucial as it sets the foundation for the tree's development. Collecting acorns is the first step in propagating Gray Oak. Harvest them in the fall when they naturally drop from the tree. https://greg.app/gray-oak-overview/#:~:text=%E2%9C%82%EF%B8%8F%20Cutting%20Propagation,lifecycle%20of%20this%20remarkable%20tree.
Semi-harwood Cutting Use a rooting medium that consists of a mix of perlite and peat moss. This combination provides excellent drainage and aeration for the developing roots. To promote healthy growth, maintain humidity and warmth around the cuttings until roots develop. This nurturing environment is crucial for their success. elect semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. This timing helps ensure that the cuttings have the best chance of rooting. https://greg.app/gray-oak-overview/#:~:text=%E2%9C%82%EF%B8%8F%20Cutting%20Propagation,lifecycle%20of%20this%20remarkable%20tree.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason