scrub oak

American  

noun

1. any of several oaks, as Quercus ilicifolia and Q. prinoides, characterized by a scrubby manner of growth, usually found in dry, rocky soil.

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Etymology

Origin of scrub oak

An Americanism dating back to 1760–70

Example Sentences

Nate Goldberg, a lead guide with the outfitter said visitors see “a lot of underbrush, red and yellow aspen leaves, scrub oak, berries and willows which turn a bright yellow.”

From New York Times • Sep. 18, 2019

Certain species, such as toyon and scrub oak, resprout from underground root systems or burls.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2019

With wild scrub oak and big, red sandstone formations, it looks like something from a John Wayne western.

From National Geographic • Jun. 29, 2018

Spent an hour getting scratched up by scrub oak and thorns looking for David’s drone that he crashed.

From Slate • Jan. 3, 2018

Rocky was standing in a small clearing surrounded by thickets of scrub oak.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko