TreeRM

Lacey oak

Quercus laceyi 路 Fagaceae 路 also Texas blue oak, Canyon oak

A small to medium oak (30-50 feet, often smaller) with smoky blue-green summer foliage that emerges peach-colored in spring and turns peach again in fall. It grows happily on thin limestone, resists oak wilt and stays a manageable size, making it an ideal shade tree for small urban lots in the Hill Country.

Broadleaf, loses its leaves in winterSlow growingSun or part shadeLow water
Lacey oak
Casey Cowan, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it stands

Native

This tree evolved here, and local wildlife depends on it.

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TX, United Statessource

Recommended

A city, utility or extension service lists it among the trees it approves for planting here.

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Austin, TX, United States 路 On the City of Austin Grow Green native and adapted plant list (Watershed Protection). Listed as 'Oak, Lacey', ideal for small urban yards; resistant to oak wilt.source
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Dallas, TX, United States 路 On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree Listsource

Care

Plant in full sun on well-drained ground and water weekly for the first two summers; afterward it needs almost no irrigation. Growth is slow, so start with the largest tree you can. Prune in winter to shape or raise the canopy. Oak phylloxera may blister leaves but is cosmetic.

Benefits

Drought tolerantShadeFits small spacesWildlifeBirdsFall color

Good for

Small yardYard shadeStreet tree

Watch out for

No major cautions