Sonoran Scrub Oak
Quercus turbinella
This Scrub Live Oak was found in the Seven Spring Recreational Area, Maricopa Co., Superstition Mountains, Arizona.
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Formica ants are a regular denzen of scrub oak foliage by day.
Wood Ant
SHRUB: Typically grows to a large shrub with several to many principal
stems but can also grow as a small tree. Sometimes called Shrub Live Oak.
LEAVES: The dull, evergreen leaves are usually smaller than other oak
species and the leaf perimeters are toothed and sharply mucronate (spiny). The
leaves have a dull, scruffy cast.
RANGE: An important component of interior chaparral in Arizona, but also
frequently growing on drier spots within sycamore woodlands. In this habitat
scrub live oak may achieve tree-size.
FRUIT: Acorns.
The cup shells are smooth inside, not tomentose (fuzzy).
FLOWERS: Greenish (may appear yellow due to abundant pollen), small and
born in catkin-like spikes. Male and female flowers separate. Wind pollinated.
UNARMED. The stems are without thorns, however, the leaf margins can be
surprisingly sharp.
Fagaceae -- Oak Family
More Information:
Gall Insects on Scrub Live Oak
- Southwest Environmental Information Network
- USDA Plant Profile
- ITIS Taxonomic Report
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search