Shrub live oak Plant Care

Shrub live oak (Quercus intricata) belongs to the Fagaceae family within the Quercus genus. Shrub live oak is native to northern Mexico and western Texas. Shrub live oak is also known as Intricate oak.

Shrub live oak displays a large deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 60 ft. Shrub live oak produces inconspicuous catkins.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Shrub live oak every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Shrub live oak thrives in full sun.

Quercus intricata tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F. Shrub live oak prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Shrub live oak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Shrub live oak is suited to USDA Zone 7b – 9b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Shrub live oak can spread to about 60 ft (18.3 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 m) tall. Space plants about 60 ft (18.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Shrub live oak while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Shrub live oak is hardy down to USDA zone 7b, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Shrub live oak can be propagated through acorns, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to english oak plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Shrub live oak is susceptible to oak leaf blister, oak wilt, gypsy moth. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Shrub live oak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7b – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7b. Shrub live oak is native to northern Mexico and western Texas.