Bear Oak
Quercus ilicifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bear Oak (Quercus ilicifolia) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
240"–480" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CT, DE, KY, MA and 11 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Bear oak is a small to medium-sized deciduous oak tree native to eastern North America. It typically grows 20-40 feet tall with an equal spread, forming a rounded crown. This oak produces spring flowers followed by small acorns and turns attractive fall colors.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bear Oak takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Irregular growth habit appears unkempt
- Large mature size may overwhelm typical residential lots
- Natural scrubby appearance conflicts with formal landscaping expectations
Wildlife value
Host plant for white-M hairstreak, oak hairstreak.
Supports bees and beetles during its spring bloom period. As an oak species, it also provides acorns for wildlife and serves as a host plant for numerous moth and butterfly caterpillars.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bear Oak need?
- Bear Oak grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Bear Oak bloom?
- Bear Oak blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Bear Oak native?
- Bear Oak (Quercus ilicifolia) is native to CT, DE, KY, MA and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Bear Oak toxic to dogs?
- Bear Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Bear Oak toxic to cats?
- Bear Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What butterflies or moths does Bear Oak host?
- Bear Oak is a larval host plant for white-M hairstreak and oak hairstreak.
- Is Bear Oak HOA-friendly?
- Bear Oak takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bear Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz