Quercus elliotii (syn. Q. pumila) - Running oak, Runner oak
Family Fagaceae

Description:

About 600 species of oaks can be found around the world, mostly in the northern hemisphere. This dense, shrubby oak is native to the southeastern United States, including Florida. The margins of its leaves curl under and are usually without teeth and lobes. It is deciduous, tending to drop its leaves late in the winter. It develops into a clump by underground shoots. It produces small acorns that serve as food for wildlife.

Quercus minima is another shrubby, clustering oak found in this area. Its leaves are more prominently toothed or lobed and its stems tend to be more erect with fewer branches.

Location:

This shrub can be seen in the dry natural areas of campus.

Size:

Small shrub to about three to four feet tall.

Care Instructions:

Light: full sun to part sun

Water: drought tolerant when established

Soil: sandy, well-drained

The runner oak is not commonly cultivated. It is easy to grow in sunny, reasonably well-drained sites.