Thicket/ Scrub Oak

COMMON NAME: Scrub Oak

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Bear Oak, Ground Oak, Barren Oak

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Quercus ilicifolia

FAMILY: Fagaceae

COMMUNITY: Thicket

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Shrub to small tree

HEIGHT: 3 to 10 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Early to late May

FRUITING TIME: August and September of 2nd year

DISTRIBUTION: Maine to North Carolina ~ Statewide in New Jersey, abundant in the Pine Barrens

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves alternate, simple, 2-5 inches long, 1 to 1 2/3 inches wide, broadest near tip, 5-7 lobes, often 3-lobed at tip, tips bristly, thick, leathery, shiny dark green above, light grayish green beneath with dense brownish hairs along veins and midrib ~ Twigs slender, greenish brown and hairy when young, becoming dark brown and smooth, buds round ~ Flowers monoecious (male and female on same individual), male hairy red catkin 4-5 inches long, female stout red spikes ~ Fruit (acorn) ½ inch, broad, ovoid, flat rounded base enclosed halfway by red-brown scaly cup, fringed border, mature in 2 years ~ Bark thin, smooth, dark brown

GENERAL INFORMATION: More than 200 species of oaks grow in the world, 60 of these occurring in the USA.  In general, the oaks are divided into two main groups: the red oaks and the white oaks.   The red oaks have bristle-tipped leaves and acorns that take two years to mature.  The white oaks have rounded lobes and acorns that mature in one season.  Scrub Oak is a red oak. Although the Scrub Oak is not an important timber tree, it is important as a pioneer tree on burned-over land.  The Scrub Oak bears large crops of acorns and is quick to propagate in open areas, forming thickets and providing cover for the seed of the next forest.   The Scrub Oak prevents erosion of exposed soils. Acorns rate at or very near the top of the wildlife food list not because they are preferred food items but because they are abundantly available.  Their greatest value is in the winter season when other food source are scarce.   In addition to their food value, oaks provide wildlife cover.  Many retain their leaves through the winter making them nesting material for birds. Oaks are the most important group of broad-leaf timber trees.  In addition, oaks are among the best shade trees planted along city streets and about our homes.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.