Chihuahua oak facts for kids

The Chihuahua oak (scientific name: Quercus chihuahuensis) is a type of oak tree. It is part of the beech family, which includes many well-known trees like oaks, beeches, and chestnuts. This special oak tree grows naturally in parts of North America. You can find it mostly in Mexico and a small part of the United States.

Where Does the Chihuahua Oak Live?

The Chihuahua oak is native to a specific region. It grows from the far western part of Texas in the United States. From there, its home extends west into Sonora, a state in Mexico. It also reaches south into Mexican states like Zacatecas and San Luis Potosí.

Its Mountain Home

This oak tree prefers to live at medium heights, usually between 400 and 2,000 meters (about 1,300 to 6,500 feet) above sea level. It often grows in forests mixed with different kinds of pine trees and other oak species. The Chihuahua oak is a very common tree in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. You'll find it especially in the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora.

What Does the Chihuahua Oak Look Like?

The Quercus chihuahuensis is a medium-sized tree. It can grow up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) tall. It is quite common in many areas where it lives.

Its Unique Leaves

The leaves of the Chihuahua oak are very interesting. They can be smooth all around the edges. Sometimes, they have small teeth or even slight lobes, which are rounded sections. The top side of the leaves is green. However, the underside looks yellow or gray. This color comes from a special coating of soft, velvety hairs. These hairs are shaped like tiny stars, which means they have many branches.

Family and Friends: Related Oaks

The Chihuahua oak has relatives in the oak family. It is closely related to two other oak species:

• The Quercus arizonica
• The Quercus grisea

Sometimes, the Chihuahua oak can even mix with these two species. When they mix, they create new kinds of trees called hybrids. This happens in places like Texas where their habitats overlap.