Very similar in appearance to the coastal live oak, Quercus fusiformis is so different in its adaptability to harsh conditions that botanists felt it warranted its own classification. The Escarpment Live Oak is native to west Texas, and is more drought-tolerant and cold-hardy than the coastal live oak. It has performed very well during our summers here in Phoenix, and has handled the cold in Albuquerque with no damage, although it does go deciduous there. One of the few evergreen oaks (in low and middle deserts), Q. fusiformis grows slowly to a mature size of 50 feet tall and wide, forming a long-lived shade tree. Hardy to -10° F. USDA Zone 6.
Quercus fusiformis (Escarpment Live Oak)
Quercus fusiformis
Escarpment Live Oak
Very similar in appearance to the coastal live oak, Quercus fusiformis is so different in its adaptability to harsh conditions that botanists felt it warranted its own classification. The Escarpment Live Oak is native to west Texas, and is more drought-tolerant and cold-hardy than the coastal live oak. It has performed very well during our summers here in Phoenix, and has handled the cold in Albuquerque with no damage, although it does go deciduous there. One of the few evergreen oaks (in low and middle deserts), Q. fusiformis grows slowly to a mature size of 50 feet tall and wide, forming a long-lived shade tree. Hardy to -10° F. USDA Zone 6.
| Plant Type | Native, Tree |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 6 (-10° F) |
| Flower Color | Inconspicuous |
| Flower Season | Spring, Summer |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Height | 50 (ft) |
| Spread | 50 (ft) |
| Spacing | 30' (ft) |
| Characteristics | Evergreen |
| Attracts | Wildlife |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Tolerance | Cold, Drought |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil PH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Image by: MSWN
Image by: MSWN
This catalog is for reference purposes. Plants may not be available at all times in the nursery. Please check with our store for current availability.
