Texas Live Oak
Quercus fusiformis
Also known as Escarpment Live Oak, Plateau Live Oak, Edwards Plateau Live Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A native Texas oak with a broad, spreading crown and small, narrow leaves that provide dappled shade. Extremely drought-tolerant and slow-growing, it is well-suited to dry landscapes and deserves wider cultivation.
Why grow it
Texas live oak grows more slowly than most native oaks but maintains evergreen foliage year-round in its native range, offering reliable structure in xeric landscapes where deciduous oaks may not establish reliably. Its small leaves and fine branching create dappled rather than dense shade, making it useful where light-demanding understory plantings are desired. Compared to other drought-tolerant oaks, it tolerates alkaline and calcareous soils typical of central and south Texas.
Watch out for
Growth rate is notably slow, particularly in the first 5-10 years, so patience is required before the tree reaches landscape-scale proportions. Performance outside its native range (primarily central Texas) is variable and should be verified with local extension services before assuming it will thrive in similar-appearing climates. Young trees benefit from establishment irrigation during dry periods despite eventual drought tolerance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Texas native
Native to: Oklahoma, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native Texas oak with a broad, spreading crown and small, narrow leaves that provide dappled shade. Extremely drought-tolerant and slow-growing, it is well-suited to dry landscapes and deserves wider cultivation.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Texas Live Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Texas live oak grows more slowly than most native oaks but maintains evergreen foliage year-round in its native range, offering reliable structure in xeric landscapes where deciduous oaks may not establish reliably. Its small leaves and fine branching create dappled rather than dense shade, making it useful where light-demanding understory plantings are desired. Compared to other drought-tolerant oaks, it tolerates alkaline and calcareous soils typical of central and south Texas.
Watch out for
Growth rate is notably slow, particularly in the first 5-10 years, so patience is required before the tree reaches landscape-scale proportions. Performance outside its native range (primarily central Texas) is variable and should be verified with local extension services before assuming it will thrive in similar-appearing climates. Young trees benefit from establishment irrigation during dry periods despite eventual drought tolerance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Texas native
Native to: Oklahoma, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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