Maple-leaved Oak is a rare native tree species found only in the wild upland forests of the Ouachita Mountains in west-central Arkansas. This medium-sized oak, scientifically described just in 1926 and elevated to full species status only recently, earns its common name from its distinctly maple-like foliage. Growing 40 to 50 feet tall with a spread of 20 to 30 feet, it thrives in hardiness zones 5 through 8 and serves as an excellent shade tree for landscapes that receive full sun. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking a native tree with genuine ecological and botanical significance.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-8
600in H x 360in W
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Moderate
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This is one of the rarest oaks in cultivation, a tree whose very classification was resolved less than a century ago through careful study of leaf and acorn morphology. Growing from upland forest origins, it combines genuine drought tolerance with handsome maple-like leaves that set it apart visually from typical oak species. The tree proves durable and long-lived despite its rarity, asking little from gardeners once established beyond full sun and well-drained soil.
Maple-leaved Oak functions as a shade tree, providing broad canopy coverage in landscapes designed around native species or woodland gardens. Its native range and rarity make it particularly valuable for conservation-minded plantings and native plant landscapes in the southeastern United States.
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“Maple-leaved Oak has a fascinating modern history rooted in botanical discovery rather than ancient cultivation. The species was first formally described in 1926 by botanist Palmer, who initially classified it as a variety of Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii var. acerifolia). For decades it remained in taxonomic limbo until recent research by Stoynoff and Hess examined the distinct differences in leaf structure and acorn morphology, ultimately elevating it to full species status. This recognition reflects both the tree's rarity in nature and the ongoing work of botanists to understand and preserve Arkansas's native forest diversity. The species remains known from only a few upland forest areas in the Ouachita Mountains, making its cultivation by gardeners an act of conservation.”