Wavyleaf Oak
Quercus undulata
Wavyleaf Oak (Quercus undulata) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 6–15 ft tall and 8–15 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Shrubby habit.
Colorado nativelow water6–15 ft tall and 8–15 ft wideXeric / water-wise
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Quercus undulata
- Variety / cultivar
- Wavyleaf
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 6–15 ft tall and 8–15 ft wide
- Mature form
- Irregular / open
- Spacing / clearance
- ~15 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Bronze, red
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
- Pollinator value
- low
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- foothills
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Wavyleaf Oak good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Wavyleaf Oak is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Wavyleaf Oak get?
- It matures to about 6–15 ft tall and 8–15 ft wide.
- How much room does Wavyleaf Oak need?
- Give Wavyleaf Oak about 15 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Wavyleaf Oak grow into?
- Wavyleaf Oak typically grows into an irregular, picturesque outline that varies from plant to plant. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Wavyleaf Oak hardy on the Front Range?
- Wavyleaf Oak is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Wavyleaf Oak need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Wavyleaf Oak grow?
- Wavyleaf Oak is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Wavyleaf Oak live?
- Wavyleaf Oak is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Wavyleaf Oak turn in fall?
- Wavyleaf Oak turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Wavyleaf Oak native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Wavyleaf Oak deer-resistant?
- No. Wavyleaf Oak is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Wavyleaf Oak a good firewise plant near the house?
- Wavyleaf Oak is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is Wavyleaf Oak prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Wavyleaf Oak has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
