Groundcover
Running Oak
Quercus pumila
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardQuercus pumila
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$34.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterLow to Moderate
Mature size1-3 feet × spreading/colonial — clonal runners can spread indefinitely; retail container spread 3-6 feet appropriate as specimen estimate
About Running Oak
Runner Oak (Quercus pumila) is a low-growing, stoloniferous native oak found in pine flatwoods and sandhills throughout the southeastern coastal plain. It spreads by underground runners to form dense, knee-high colonies of narrow, simple leaves and produces small acorns that support native wildlife. Starting at $34.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Semi-deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Acidic, Well-drained
Care essentials
Light
Prefers full sun to light shade; naturally grows in open pine flatwoods and sandhills where it receives direct sun for most of the day.
Water
Extremely drought tolerant once established in Florida's sandy soils; requires no supplemental irrigation after the first season. Avoid overwatering or poorly drained sites.
Soil & Fertilizer
Requires well-drained, acidic sandy soil — thrives in Florida's native sandhills and scrub without fertilizer. Avoid clay, compacted, or amended soils; excess fertility promotes weedy growth over the low spreading form.
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Common questions
Is Running Oak a good plant for St. Augustine?
Running Oak is a groundcover for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-3 feet × spreading/colonial — clonal runners can spread indefinitely; retail container spread 3-6 feet appropriate as specimen estimate.