Quercus laceyi is a small to moderate growing oak, late deciduous to semi-evergreen, with some drought tolerance. It is best known in the US from the Texas Hill Country, with an overall native range extending south into Mexico. The moderate size and attractiveness of Q. laceyi give the tree potential as a limited-space urban tree in California.

Although Q. laceyi grows in slightly wetter climates than California, but ones that experiences regular drought, and greater temperature than current coastal California conditions. These conditions fit with many future climate scenarios for California, particularly coastally.

In limited California testing, Q. laceyi has shown good tolerance of California nursery conditions, though it can be very slightly susceptible to powdery mildew. Leaves are an attractive bluish color. Leaf senescence occurs in winter, with yellow to orange fall color.

Quercus laceyi is worthy of further trial in California. It likely will display a moderate level of drought tolerance, and good summer moisture tolerance. For now, it is recommended to trial Q. laceyi on sites with favorable soils and irrigation sites.