Quercus canbyi (Canby oak, Sierra oak), synonyms including Quercus graciliformis, is a North American species of oak tree.[2]
Quercus canbyi is a semi-evergreen - evergreen tree,[3] up to 40–50 feet (12–15 metres) tall in cultivation. Although, it can reach up to 80 feet (24 metres) in the wild in Mexico. It starts as a pyramidal form and then matures into an open irregular shape.[4] It can reach a spread of 30–40 feet (9.1–12.2 metres) wide.[5]
The dark, glossy green leaves are 6–8 inches (15–20 centimetres) long and have serrated edges. The petioles can have a reddish hue.[6] It blooms in March and the acorns are then seen in August.[7][8]
It has been distinguished from Quercus graciliformis by its twig shape and by producing acorns biennially rather than annually;[9] however as of February 2023, Plants of the World Online regards them as synonymous.[2]
Quercus canbyi was first described by William Trelease in 1924.[2] It is placed in Quercus section Lobatae.[10]
The species has been found only in Texas and in northeast Mexico.[2][11]
Quercus canbyi was assessed in 2016 for the IUCN Red List as "least concern".[1] Quercus graciliformis, regarded as a synonym by Plants of the World Online, was assessed as "critically endangered" in 2016.[12]
Quercus canbyi will tolerate most kinds of soils and is used in gardens to provide shade.[13]
Media related to Quercus canbyi at Wikimedia Commons
Quercus canbyi (Canby oak, Sierra oak), synonyms including Quercus graciliformis, is a North American species of oak tree.