Gray oak (Quercus grisea, Overs. Kongel. Danske Vidensk. Selsk. Forh. Medlemmers Arbeider 1854:171. 1854)

Family: Fagaceae

Author: Liebm.

Bibliography: Overs. Kongel. Danske Vidensk. Selsk. Forh. Medlemmers Arbeider 1854:171. 1854

Year: 1854

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Quercus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Arizona to W. Texas and Mexico

Description

Gray oak, scientifically known as Quercus grisea, is a notable member of the Fagaceae family. Described by Liebm. in the mid-19th century, it was first documented in the works published in 1854. This oak species occupies a significant ecological niche, thriving in the regions stretching from Arizona through Western Texas and extending into Mexico.

The Gray oak is distinguished by its unique foliar characteristics and bark texture, which impart a grayish hue, lending the tree its common name. It is well-adapted to the semi-arid and arid climates of these areas, demonstrating exceptional resilience to the challenging environmental conditions.

Typically found in woodland and forested regions, the Gray oak plays a crucial role in its native habitats. It provides essential shelter and food for diverse wildlife species, including birds and mammals, and contributes to the stability of the ecosystems by preventing soil erosion with its extensive root systems.

This oak species’ adaptability and hardiness make it a subject of interest for both conservationists and botanists. Its presence across such a broad geographical range highlights its ecological importance and the need for continuous study and preservation efforts to ensure its survival amidst changing environmental conditions.

Common Names

Eng: gray oak
En: Gray oak, Shin oak
Ar: سنديان رمادي
Zh: 北美灰橡
Ka: Ნაცრისფერი მუხა

Synonyms

• Quercus undulata var. grisea ((Liebm.) Engelm.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 29, 2022 by Rudd (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Donald Duck (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2021 by Laurie Merritt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2012 by EOL − Cavender-Bares, J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 29, 2016 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken May 24, 2004 by EOL − Robert Sivinski (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 19, 2012 by EOL − Cavender-Bares, J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2012 by EOL − Cavender-Bares, J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2012 by EOL − Cavender-Bares, J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2012 by EOL − Cavender-Bares, J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 19, 2012 by EOL − Cavender-Bares, J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

© 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/2879358)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:296221-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus grisea Liebm.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth