scrub oak

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

Origin of scrub oak

An Americanism dating back to 1760–70

I was lying on my back at the root of a scrub-oak very like the blackjacks of Georgia and the Carolinas.

Who Goes There? |Blackwood Ketcham Benson
Is a peach-tree just like a horse-chestnut, or a scrub-oak, or a honey-locust?

Fables of Infidelity and Facts of Faith |Robert Patterson
"He may be in any one of those thousand scrub-oak patches," said Haynes as they remounted.

The Flying Death |Samuel Hopkins Adams
On that August day we followed a dim path that led through thickets of scrub-oak and sweet pepper-bush.

Everyday Adventures |Samuel Scoville

And I am but a scrub-oak in this forest of giants, my Brothers.

The Book of Khalid |Ameen Rihani