This species, which grows on dry sand hills, is usually no more than 25 feet in height and 5 or 6 inches in diameter; ranging mainly through East Texas extending as far west as the Brazos River and scattering in Central and Northwest Texas.
The [BARK] is similar to that of blackjack, being divided into thick nearly square blocks 1 to 2 inches in length and covered with small dark brown or nearly black [scales] slightly tinged with red.
BLUEJACK OAK (Leaves, twigs, and [fruit] about two-thirds natural size)
The LEAVES of this tree are oblong-lanceolate, pale blue-green above, almost white beneath; 2 to 5 inches in length and 1 to l½ inches in width with a stout yellow [midrib]. The tree is most attractive in early spring when it is covered with the light red flowers and young leaves.
ACORNS are produced in great profusion, [sessile], or on a short stock. They are rounded at the ends, [striate], and about ½ inch in length, and mature at the end of the second year.
The WOOD is hard, strong, close-grained, light brown, tinged with red. It has a dark colored [sapwood]. The wood is of no value except for fuel.
There are several [hybrids] of this species reported in Texas.
EMORY OAK
Quercus emoryi Torr.
In the canyons and on the southern slopes of the Davis and Chisos Mountains occurs this interesting oak with glossy, spiny, “holly-like” leaves, and sweet, edible acorns. A small round-topped tree up to 30 or 40 feet in height, the emory oak has drooping branches and slender, decidedly reddish branchlets.