Description
Quercus prinus
CT P EcoR
Mature Height: 60 to 75 feet
Mature Width: 60 to 75 feet
Soil: Rich, Well-drained
Moisture: Average to Dry
Light: Part Sun
Pests: Spongy moth (syn. gypsy moth) in some years
Landscape Value: Great as a shade tree. Good for areas with poor, rocky soil. Supports a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals and pollinators, such as butterfly and moth caterpillars.
Medium to large, long-lived, deciduous tree with a straight trunk, rounded crown, and dense foliage. The bark is dark brown-gray with massive ridges separated by deep furrows. Leaves are dark yellowish-green and leathery with 10-14 coarse, rounded teeth. In autumn, leaves turn yellowish-brown. Yellowish-green flowers appear in mid-to-late spring on separate male and female catkins. Female flowers give rise to large, oval, chestnut brown acorns (nuts) that mature in one growing season. Acorn production is erratic, with heavy crops produced only every four or five years. Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves while veins remain green) may occur if soils are not sufficiently acidic. Susceptible to oak wilt disease which can be transmitted by bark beetles, the roots of nearby infected trees, or contaminated pruning tools. Grows tallest (to 145 feet) in rich, well-drained soil, but thrives in dryish, rocky soils. Tolerates dry soil, rocky soil, heat, and drought once established. Acorns attract many birds and mammals, including wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, songbirds, deer, mice, and squirrels. Leaves are a food source for dozens of butterfly and moth caterpillars as well as treehoppers, leaf beetles, and leafhoppers. Caterpillars supported by oaks also provide an important food source for birds, especially when adults are feeding their nestlings.
2 gallon pot, near 12 inches tall
Photo credits:
Maryland Biodiversity Project (photo by Katja Schulz)
University of FL/IFAS Extension (photo by Ed Gilman)
Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program
Virginia Tech
