Quercus laceyi
- Undeniably one of the toughest oaks
- It is a smaller oak than most with shrub like appearance
- Dark, blue green leaves are its distinguishing features
- Plant this one where you can see it on a hillside
The Lacey Oak is native to the Edwards Plateau which is a region in west-central Texas that extends east to San Antonio, Austin and Waco along I-35. The Lacey Oak is a midsize ornamental tree that is great for small yards and for Texas hill country themed landscapes. As the Lacey Oak matures it develops an irregularly rounded crown and a wide stout trunk that resembles the look of a miniature Live Oak.
In early spring Lacey Oaks produce peach and red colored leaves that mature into a striking blue green color, which is why this tree is also referred to as Blue Oak. Lacey Oak leaves range 2 to 4 inches long with smooth and lobed edges that have a stiff and leathery texture. In the fall Lacey Oaks produce yellow to golden yellow leaves.
The leaves are rarely bothered by insects and disease and the Lacey Oak is highly tolerant of drought, heat and high pH white limestone soils. Lacey Oaks can adapt to many soil types from sand to well drained clay soils. The Lacey Oak is designated as a Texas Superstar Tree by Texas A&M University.
Common Names: Lacey Oak, Blue Oak, Smokey Oak, Canyon Oak, Rock Oak
