Scrub Oak
Quercus ilicifolia
A native species of the eastern US and southern Canada, scrub or bear oak occurs on sandy soil or else on open rocky outcrops.
In the pitch pine barrens, it is the major component of the principal "pitch pine/scrub oak" plant community.
This oak typically forms a shrub with stubby, gnarled branches, only rarely becoming a small tree. Scrub oak is adapted
to disturbance in the habitat,
such as wildfire, which helps remove other plant species, so that crub oak can receive plenty of sunlight (it does not tolerate
shading).
Oak flowers are wind pollinated, male ones arranged in drooping catkins, female borne singly or in small clusters. Leaves
of scrub oak are smaller
than leaves of tree oaks, contrastingly light-colored on the lower surface, and with only a couple weakly pronounced lobes
on each side.
The lobes are pointed, fortified with tiny bristles (awns) at tips. The epithet ilicifolia means "with leaves resembling those of Ilex, i.e., holly"
(leaves of American holly do look similar). Scrub oak provides food and shelter for many animals. Bears consume the acorns,
especially when preparing for hibernation.
White-tailed deer eat stems and foliage along with the acorns. Squirrels and birds also depend on the acorns; turkeys prefer
scrub oak acorns over other types of food.
A large number of insect species live on scrub oak. This is the main food plant for about one-third of rare or endangered
butterflies and moths in southern New England and southeastern New York.
Pitch pine/scrub oak forest, Myles Standish SF, Plymouth, November 5
Buck moth is an insect of special concern in MA. Buck moth caterpillars on scrub oak, Myles Standish SF, Plymouth, June 12
Scrub oak acorns, Myles Standish SF, Plymouth, October 12
Beginning of flowering in mid-April; leaves are not yet out. Blue Hills Reservation, Canton, April 16