Quercus oblongifolia, commonly known as the Mexican blue oak, Arizona blue oak, Blue live oak or Sonoran blue oak, is an evergreen small tree or large shrub in the white oak group.[2][3]
The Mexican blue oak is a small evergreen tree growing 5–8metres (16–27feet) tall with a rounded crown. At higher elevations it is typically a large shrub. The trunk is up to 50 centimetres (20 inches) in diameter and the bark is light gray and densely furrowed. The twigs are yellowish brown and hairless with reddish brown buds. The leaves are small, alternate and oblong, with entire margins, leathery, bluish-green above and mid green below. The flowers appear in spring at the same time as the old leaves are being shed and new leaf growth starts. The male flowers form yellowish-green catkins and the female flowers are solitary or paired and grow in the leaf axils. The light brown acorns are ovoid or oblong, about 2 cm (3⁄4 in) long and lodged in scaly, bowl-shaped cups about one third the length of the nut.[4][6]
Mexican blue oak "Quercus oblongifolia" popularity in landscaping has been increasing in California with many plantings at Apple Park and other Bay area plantings. The fast growth and beautiful blue foliage makes selections from trees in Arizona the best for cultivation. [9][10]
^ abPavek, Diane S. (1993). "Quercus oblongifolia". Fire Effects Information System (FEIS). US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (USFS), Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory.
^Pieper, Rex D.; Wood, M. Karl; Buchanan, Bruce B. 1988. Pinyon-juniper woodlands of New Mexico: a biological and economic appraisal. Special Report 73. Las Cruces, NM: New Mexico State University, College of Agriculture and Home Economics: 1-11.[5258]
^Cottam, Walter P.; Tucker, John M.; Santamour, Frank S. (1982). Oak hybridization at the University of Utah. Publication / State Arboretum of Utah. Salt Lake City: State Arboretum of Utah. ISBN978-0-942830-00-2.
