Oak, Shin

COMMON NAMES:  Bigelow Oak, Shin Oak, Scrub Oak, Scalybark Oak, White Shin Oak

SCIENTIFIC NAME:  Quercus sinuata var. breviloba

FAMILY:  Fagaceae (white oak group)

Bigelow oak is a grassland plant that grows on hard limestone in north and central Texas. It is called scrub or shin oak because it is usually a multitrunked tree of only 10 to 12 ft. It has many growth forms, however, in response to different habitats and climates. It forms thickets when it occurs in lighter soils or when its roots have been disturbed, but in some areas single widely spaced trees 12 to 40 feet tall are found. The pale gray, shaggy bark on older trees is a striking feature. The bark distinguishes it from Lacey oak, whose size and leaf form is similar. Durand oak is the larger version of this tree.

PLANT HABIT OR USE: Shrub large shrub small tree

EXPOSURE: Sun

FLOWER COLOR: Red, male catkins 2 to 2 in. long

BLOOMING PERIOD: Spring

FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS: Small acorns

HEIGHT: to 40 ft.

WIDTH: to 35 ft.

PLANT CHARACTER:  Deciduous

HEAT TOLERANCE:  Very high

WATER REQUIREMENTS:  Low

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Alkaline

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

  Search Library Topics      Search Newspaper Columns