Family: Fagaceae
Author: Wangenh.
Bibliography: Beytr. Teut. Forstwiss.: 79 (1787)
Year: 1787
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Quercus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: SE. Ontario to E. U.S.A.
Description
Bear oak, scientifically known as Quercus ilicifolia, is a distinctive and resilient species belonging to the Fagaceae family. This rugged oak thrives particularly well in the regions stretching from Southeastern Ontario to the Eastern United States, adapting to a variety of environmental conditions.
Described initially in the contributions to Teutonic Forestry Science (“Beytr. Teut. Forstwiss.”) back in 1787 by the author Wangenh., the Bear oak has since garnered attention for its ecological significance and adaptability. This oak species typically forms part of scrubby woodlands and dry, sandy soils where it often constitutes the dominant vegetation. Its leaves are characteristically thick and holly-like, with spiny edges that are well-suited to mitigate water loss — an adaptation that supports its survival in relatively harsh and dry conditions.
Bear oak plays a crucial role in promoting biodiversity within its habitat. It serves as a food source for various wildlife, particularly favoring the region’s bear and certain bird species that rely on its acorns. Additionally, its growth helps in the stabilization of soil, preventing erosion and thereby maintaining the integrity of the natural landscape.
The plant’s hardy nature makes it an essential species for ecological restoration projects aimed at rehabilitating disturbed or degraded lands. By providing cover and food, it contributes considerably to sustaining the complex web of life in its native regions.
Overall, Quercus ilicifolia exemplifies the resilience and ecological importance of native flora amidst changing environmental conditions. Its tenacity and role in supporting wildlife underscore the need to preserve and protect this valuable species.
Common Names
Eng: bear oak, scrub oak
Fra: chêne à feuilles de houx, chêne de banister
En: Bear oak, Scrub Oak
Cs: Dub cesmínolistý
Fi: Otsontammi
Fr: Chêne à feuilles de houx, Chêne de Banister, Chêne des ours
Ka: Დათვის მუხა
De: Busch-Eiche, Nordamerikanische Straucheiche
Synonyms
- Quercus nana ((Marshall) Sarg.)
- Quercus banisteri (Michx.)
- Quercus discolor var. banisteri ((Michx.) Spach)
- Quercus rubra var. nana (Marshall)
- Quercus nigra var. pumila (Marshall)
- Quercus ilicifolia var. georgiana (A.Wood)
- Quercus nigra var. ilicifolia (Kuntze)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Potůček Petr (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Simon Mertens (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Bruno Pancrazi (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2878190)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:296293-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus ilicifolia Wangenh.)