Fagales

Description

Fagales is an order of flowering plants that includes over 1,000 species of trees and shrubs. These deciduous plants are found throughout the world, but are most common in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Fagales is an important order for humans as it includes many species that are economically valuable, such as oaks (Quercus), beeches (Fagus), birches (Betula), and chestnuts (Castanea). Many species in this order are also ecologically important, providing food and habitat for a wide range of animals.

Taxonomic Information

Domain: Eukaryota

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Angiosperms

Class: Eudicots

Order	Family	Genus
Fagales	Fagaceae	Quercus, Castanea, Fagus, Lithocarpus

Appearance

Fagales plants can vary widely in size and shape. Trees in this order can grow to be over 100 feet tall, while shrubs can be as small as a few feet. Leaves are typically deciduous, meaning they fall off in the winter. Fagales leaves are often simple and lobed, with serrated edges. The flowers of Fagales plants are small and not particularly showy, often appearing in the spring before the leaves. Fruits of Fagales plants can be nuts, acorns, or capsules.

Care Guide

Water: Fagales plants generally require moderate watering, with more frequent watering during hot and dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Fertilization: Fagales plants benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the winter, when the plants are dormant.

Soil: Fagales plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils or soils that are too sandy.

Sunlight: Fagales plants prefer full sun to partial shade, with some species tolerating more shade than others.

Hardiness Zones: Fagales plants are generally hardy in USDA zones 4-9, but this can vary depending on the species.

Common Pests & Diseases

Fagales plants are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including oak wilt, chestnut blight, and powdery mildew. These can be controlled using fungicides and other treatments. Pests such as gypsy moths and aphids can also be controlled using insecticides.

Habitat

Fagales plants are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas. Many species in this order are important components of old-growth forests, providing food and habitat for a wide range of animals. Some species, such as oaks, are also important components of urban landscapes.

Question and Answer

Q: What is the most common species of Fagales?

A: The most common species of Fagales is probably the oak (Quercus).

Q: Are Fagales plants evergreen or deciduous?

A: Fagales plants are generally deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the winter.

Q: Can Fagales plants be grown in containers?

A: Some Fagales species, like Japanese maples (Acer palmatum), can be grown in containers, but most require too much space to be grown this way.

Q: What is the economic importance of Fagales plants?

A: Fagales plants are economically important for their wood, nuts, and other products. Many species in this order are also important ornamental plants.

Related Plants

• Betulaceae (birch family)
• Carpinus (hornbeam genus)
• Corylaceae (hazel family)
• Juglandaceae (walnut family)

References

• Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses.
• Flora of North America Editorial Committee. (1997). Flora of North America North of Mexico, Volume 3: Magnoliidae and Hamamelidae.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature. (2021). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• USDA. (2021). Plants Database.