Quercus emoryi

Common Names

Emory Oak, Bellota, Black Oak, Emory's Oak, Blackjack Oak

Summary

Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, it occurs in pine-oak and piñon–juniper woodlands and desert-edge canyons at elevations around 4,500–7,000 ft. It grows as a slow-growing evergreen to semi-evergreen tree or shrub, reaching 30–60 ft tall with a rounded crown and dark, deeply fissured bark. Leaves are glossy dark-green and leathery, oblong to lanceolate, and it bears acorns that are edible for humans and wildlife, providing habitat and forage for various animals.

Propagation is by seed, and it is drought-tolerant once established. It tolerates a range of soils with good drainage and prefers full sun to partial shade, with low water needs. Hardiness zones 6–9 describe its usable climate range. In landscapes, it serves as a drought-tolerant shade or specimen plant and supports wildlife through acorn production.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

30-65.6 ft

Spread

30-60 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-9

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Sun, Partial Shade in the low desert.

Soil Type

Deep, well-drained loam soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Approximately pH 6.5, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils (neutral included), tolerates acidic to alkaline pH range

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring (March–May)

Foliage Color

Green to dark green leaves, often glossy with pale green to yellow-green undersides.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color; evergreen

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and root crown/stump sprouts (coppicing), no spores, cuttings, division, or layering described.

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies and birds