How much sun does Hill's oak need?

Hill's oak grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Hill's oak bloom?

Hill's oak blooms in April and May.

Where is Hill's oak native?

Hill's oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) is native to IA, IL, IN, MI and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Hill's oak host?

Hill's oak is a larval host plant for banded hairstreak.

Hill's oak

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Quercus ellipsoidalis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Hill's oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

480"–720" H × 300"–480" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

IA, IL, IN, MI and 3 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains

A medium to large deciduous tree with a pyramidal to rounded crown, deeply lobed glossy leaves that turn brilliant red in fall, and persistent lower branches.

Wildlife value

Host plant for banded hairstreak.

As an oak, it is a keystone species supporting hundreds of native caterpillar species including banded hairstreak, plus acorns that feed a wide range of birds and mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Hill's oak need?: Hill's oak grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hill's oak bloom?: Hill's oak blooms in April and May.
Where is Hill's oak native?: Hill's oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) is native to IA, IL, IN, MI and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Hill's oak host?: Hill's oak is a larval host plant for banded hairstreak.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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