Gray Oak

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Quercus grisea

Last reviewed: September 2026

Quercus grisea, or gray oak, is a low-water tree that blooms from March through May and thrives in the dry woodlands and canyons of the Southwest.

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Rockies North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

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 water does gray oak need?: Gray oak is adapted to low-water conditions and does best in well-drained soil that is not kept consistently moist. Established trees tolerate extended dry periods typical of southwestern climates.
What kind of light does gray oak prefer?: Gray oak grows well in part sun and also tolerates full sun to part shade, making it flexible for open woodland or rocky slope plantings.
When does gray oak bloom?: Gray oak produces its inconspicuous flowers in spring, typically from March through May, before acorns develop later in the season.
Does gray oak lose its leaves in winter?: Gray oak is evergreen, holding onto its leathery, gray-green leaves through the winter rather than dropping them all at once like a deciduous oak.
What growing conditions suit gray oak best?: This tree does well in rocky, well-drained soils on slopes and canyons typical of arid and semi-arid landscapes, where its low water needs and part sun tolerance help it establish with minimal care.
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.

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.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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Common questions

How much water does gray oak need?

Gray oak is adapted to low-water conditions and does best in well-drained soil that is not kept consistently moist. Established trees tolerate extended dry periods typical of southwestern climates.

What kind of light does gray oak prefer?

Gray oak grows well in part sun and also tolerates full sun to part shade, making it flexible for open woodland or rocky slope plantings.

When does gray oak bloom?

Gray oak produces its inconspicuous flowers in spring, typically from March through May, before acorns develop later in the season.

Does gray oak lose its leaves in winter?

Gray oak is evergreen, holding onto its leathery, gray-green leaves through the winter rather than dropping them all at once like a deciduous oak.

What growing conditions suit gray oak best?

This tree does well in rocky, well-drained soils on slopes and canyons typical of arid and semi-arid landscapes, where its low water needs and part sun tolerance help it establish with minimal care.

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.

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

Common plant problems, and what to check first

See all plant problem guides