Tree Description
A medium-sized oak to 40 feet tall and a trunk to 2 feet in diameter, with a broad, rounded crown.
Range / Site Description
Naturally occurring only in one known U.S. population, near the Devil’s River in Val Verde county, but more common in Mexico. Now planted widely as a landscape tree.
Leaf
Simple, alternate, 2″ to 5″ long, highly variable, but often with several shallow lobes or teeth towards the tip. Leaves are thick, leathery, and semi-evergreen, with distinct raised veins on the yellowish underside. New leaves in spring are peach-colored and in colder climates the leaves are late-deciduous and turn yellow-brown.
Flower & Fruit
Male and female flowers borne in spring on the same tree, the male flowers on catkins up to 4″ long, the female flowers less conspicuous.
An acorn, maturing in one year, up to 1″ long and enclosed one-half by the acorn cup.
Interesting Facts
Only recently discovered in the U.S. (1992) as a native tree species, but widely available in commercial nurseries.
Species Summary
| Scientific Name: | Quercus polymorpha |
| Secondary Names: | Netleaf white oak, Monterrey oak |
| Tree Type: | Semi-evergreen |
| Dimensions: | Height: 40 feet Trunk Diameter: 2 feet |
| Leaf Structure: | Simple, alternate |
| Leaf Size: | 2″ to 5″ long |
| Leaf Shape: | |
| Leaf Margin: | |
| Additional Information: | iNaturalist – Mexican Oak |
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service Trees of Texas – Mexican Oak