Netleaf Oak

Quercus rugosa

Native to:
Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fagaceae
Genus:
Quercus
Species:
Quercus rugosa
USDA Symbol:
QURU4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Butterflies:Colorado hairstreak (Hypaurotis crysalus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals, deer
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire; thick bark provides protection on mature trees.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
commonly found in mountainous regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Acorns have no dormancy and can germinate immediately if kept moist, though cold stratification improves uniformity.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 90 days.

Notes: Seeds may require light for optimal germination.

Source: Claude AI