When does bear oak bloom?

Bear oak produces its small, inconspicuous catkin flowers in April, May, and June, with exact timing depending on local spring temperatures.

What kind of habitat does bear oak prefer?

It grows on dry, sandy or rocky ridgetops, barrens, and exposed slopes where soil is thin and competition from taller trees is limited.

How much water does bear oak need once established?

It tolerates low water availability well and is often found on droughty sites, so established plants rarely need supplemental irrigation.

Does bear oak attract pollinators?

Bees and beetles visit the catkins for pollen, though like other oaks it relies mainly on wind for pollination.

Does bear oak lose its leaves in winter?

Yes, it is deciduous and drops its leaves each fall after producing its characteristic small, dark green foliage through the growing season.

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.

Bear Oak

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Quercus ilicifolia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Bear oak (Quercus ilicifolia) is a low, scrubby oak that thrives in dry, sandy or rocky soil and full sun, blooming from April through June across the Northeast and Appalachian ridges.

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

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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.

Growing Bear Oak

Grow Bear Oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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

When does bear oak bloom?: Bear oak produces its small, inconspicuous catkin flowers in April, May, and June, with exact timing depending on local spring temperatures.
What kind of habitat does bear oak prefer?: It grows on dry, sandy or rocky ridgetops, barrens, and exposed slopes where soil is thin and competition from taller trees is limited.
How much water does bear oak need once established?: It tolerates low water availability well and is often found on droughty sites, so established plants rarely need supplemental irrigation.
Does bear oak attract pollinators?: Bees and beetles visit the catkins for pollen, though like other oaks it relies mainly on wind for pollination.
Does bear oak lose its leaves in winter?: Yes, it is deciduous and drops its leaves each fall after producing its characteristic small, dark green foliage through the growing season.
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).
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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