Lacey Oak
Quercus laceyi
Lacey Oak is a smaller oak especially well-suited for our urban
yards. It grows to 20’-30’ tall with a 25’ spread. New leaves are
peach-colored; older leaves are blue-green. Its growth is slower
than most oaks and it is resistant to oak wilt. It is deciduous and
can be multi-trunked.
Planting Sites: Lacey oak tolerates thin limestone soils well but will grow taller in deeper soil. It prefers limestone
or rocky soils, but will grow in sand, loam, or clay. The tree will grow in full sun or part sun.
Planting Instructions: Dig hole 2 to 3 times larger than, but the same depth as, the nursery container. Carefully
remove plant from container and gently loosen any circling roots or compacted soil around the root ball. Plant at
the same depth as the soil in the container. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
Watering Instructions: Water well after planting, using root stimulator according to directions. For at least 3
months, water deeply every 7-10 days to promote deep roots that will withstand drought. May skip a watering
after a rainfall of ½” to 1”. Once established, Lacey oak is very drought-tolerant.
Comments: Lacey oak can be a medium-sized tree on good sites with deep soil or a shrub on poor sites. Young
trees need protection from deer. Provides cover for birds and small animals.
Planting and care instructions provided by the
Lindheimer Chapters of the Native Plant Society of Texas