Fauna
Plant

Netleaf Oak

Quercus rugosa

Also known as Wrinkled Oak, Encino Quiebra Hacha

Netleaf oaks dominate montane woodlands across Mexico and the American Southwest, standing out for their cupped, leathery leaves with deeply impressed, net-like veins. The dense, woolly underside of each leaf conserves moisture against desiccating winds and intense mountain sun. Their heavy autumn acorn crops provide an essential calorie cache for resident wildlife, sustaining birds and mammals through dry winters.

EvergreenDrought-TolerantMontane
Netleaf Oak reference1 / 7
(c) Neptalí Ramírez Marcial, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Neptalí Ramírez Marcial · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil nutrients
Predators
  • Mule deer (browsing)
  • Acorn weevils
  • Defoliating caterpillars
ThreatsSevere wildfire, extended drought, habitat fragmentation
HabitatsMadrean pine-oak woodlands, canyons, rocky slopes, montane forests
Life span100–300 years
Classification
  1. FamilyFagaceae
  2. SpeciesQuercus rugosa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Acorns and foliage are toxic to dogs and livestock if ingested; safe to observe.
Why it is dangerous
Leaves and acorns contain high concentrations of tannins that induce severe gastrointestinal upset and kidney distress in pets and livestock.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognize this oak by its concave, bowl-shaped leaves with wrinkled surfaces and yellowish, woolly undersides.
What to do
Prevent dogs, horses, and livestock from eating fallen acorns or leaves; observing from a trail is entirely safe.
Responsible observation
  • Leaf Inspection: Examine the upper leaf surface to feel the distinct wrinkled texture caused by sunken reticulate veins.
  • Birding Clues: Scan the canopy during autumn to spot foraging flocks of jays and woodpeckers caching acorns.
Related species
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