# Monterrey oak (Quercus polymorpha)

> A fast-growing, nearly evergreen oak (45-60 feet) whose thick, waxy new leaves emerge pink before turning dark green. It is resistant to oak wilt, which is why it has become a popular replacement for live oak in Austin. It sheds its leaves briefly in spring as new ones emerge. Cold snaps below about 10 F can damage it.

Source: https://treerm.org/trees/quercus-polymorpha · Updated 2026-11-08 · License CC BY 4.0

## Facts

- Also called: Mexican white oak, Netleaf white oak
- Family: Fagaceae
- Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Mature height: 15 m; spread 11 m
- Growth: Fast growing
- USDA hardiness zones: 7 to 10
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Low water
- Soil: Deep, well-drained soils preferred; adapts to clay and alkaline sites
- Native range: Eastern Mexico south to Guatemala, with a small native population in Val Verde County, Texas

**Benefits:** Shade, Fast canopy, Drought tolerant, Wildlife, Birds

**Good for:** Yard shade, Street tree, parks

**Watch out for:** Large roots

## Care

Water deeply every week or two for the first two summers. Give it deep soil and full sun. Prune in winter to develop structure and raise the canopy; oak wilt resistance means timing is less critical. Oak phylloxera can disfigure leaves but is cosmetic.

## Where it stands

- **Native:** TX, United States (Native only to a small area of Val Verde County in West Texas; widely planted elsewhere in Texas)
- **Recommended:** Austin, TX, United States (On the City of Austin Grow Green native and adapted plant list (Watershed Protection). Listed as 'Oak, Mexican White'; resistant to oak wilt, provide deep soil.); Dallas, TX, United States (On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree List); Houston, TX, United States (On the City of Houston Planning and Development Department Street Tree List)

## Sources

- https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/QUPO2
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=QUPO2
- https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed-protection/plant-guide/oak-mexican-white
- https://www.treefolks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NeighborWoodsTreeMenu-2026.pdf