Monterey Oak (Quercus polymorpha): Evergreen Texas Oak

Monterey oak, also called Mexican white oak or netleaf white oak, is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen oak native to northern Mexico and Texas, gaining popularity as a heat-tolerant shade tree.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This tree grows 40–60 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown. Leaves are variable (polymorpha), generally oblong with toothed or smooth margins, leathery, dark green, often persisting through winter. Acorns are small, mature in one year. Bark is gray, furrowed.

Cultivation and Uses

Monterey oak prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is highly drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, and adapts to alkaline soils. Resistant to oak wilt. Excellent shade tree for southern climates. Relatively fast-growing for an oak.

Note

Sometimes sold as Quercus polymorpha 'Monterey'.