Gray Oak
Quercus grisea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Gray Oak (Quercus grisea) is a perennial tree native to AZ, CO, NM, TX. It blooms in March, April, and May.
Gray Oak (Quercus grisea) 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
part sun
Water
low
Size
480"–600" H × 360"–480" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CO, NM, TX
Before you buy
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Gray Oak is a slow-growing, drought-tolerant native tree that develops an attractive rounded canopy. This evergreen oak produces small leaves with a distinctive gray-green color and requires minimal water once established.
Growing Gray Oak
Grow Gray Oak in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 480 to 600 inches tall and spread 360 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Gray 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.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
Supports numerous native wildlife species including birds that feed on acorns and nest in the branches. The spring blooms provide early season pollen for bees and other pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Gray Oak need?
- Gray Oak grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Gray Oak bloom?
- Gray Oak blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Gray Oak native?
- Gray Oak (Quercus grisea) is native to AZ, CO, NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Gray Oak toxic to dogs?
- Gray Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Gray Oak toxic to cats?
- Gray Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Gray Oak HOA-friendly?
- Gray 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Gray Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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