Notholithocarpus Densiflorus

Description

Notholithocarpus Densiflorus, commonly known as the tanbark oak, is a species of evergreen tree native to California and Oregon. It belongs to the Fagaceae family and has a broad, rounded crown and a straight trunk, growing up to 30 meters tall. The bark is thick, rough, and deeply furrowed, with a reddish-brown color. The leaves are simple, leathery, and glossy, with a dark green color on top and a lighter green color underneath. The tree produces acorns that are edible for wildlife and humans, but they require processing to remove their tannins.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Notholithocarpus Densiflorus is a magnificent tree with a unique appearance. Its leaves are leathery, evergreen, and glossy, with a dark green color on top and a lighter green color underneath. The tree has a broad, rounded crown and a straight trunk with thick, rough, and deeply furrowed reddish-brown bark. The bark is used for tanning leather, hence the common name “tanbark oak.” The tree produces acorns that are 2-4 cm long and 2-3 cm broad, with a shallow cup enclosing about one-third of the nut.

Care Guide

Notholithocarpus Densiflorus is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips to ensure its healthy growth:

Water: Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.

Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade exposure.

Hardiness Zones: Notholithocarpus Densiflorus grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Notholithocarpus Densiflorus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:

Sudden Oak Death: This is a fungal disease that can cause the tree’s leaves to wilt and brown. It can be treated by pruning the affected branches and applying a fungicide.

Aphids: These are small insects that can suck the sap from the tree’s leaves, causing them to curl and yellow. They can be controlled by spraying the tree with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.

Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves. They can be treated by spraying the tree with insecticidal soap.

Habitat

Notholithocarpus Densiflorus is native to California and Oregon, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, chaparral, and mixed-evergreen forests. The tree prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate drought conditions.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Notholithocarpus Densiflorus a good shade tree?

A: Yes, Notholithocarpus Densiflorus is an excellent shade tree due to its broad, rounded crown and evergreen foliage.

Q: How tall can Notholithocarpus Densiflorus grow?

A: Notholithocarpus Densiflorus can grow up to 30 meters tall in ideal growing conditions.

Q: Can Notholithocarpus Densiflorus grow in containers?

A: No, Notholithocarpus Densiflorus is not suitable for container growing as it requires extensive root systems to support its large size.

Q: Is Notholithocarpus Densiflorus a fast-growing tree?

A: No, Notholithocarpus Densiflorus is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach its full size.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Notholithocarpus Densiflorus:

• Quercus agrifolia
• Quercus lobata
• Quercus kelloggii
• Quercus garryana

References

• Arno, S. F., & Hammerly, R. P. (2007). Northwest Trees: identifying and understanding the region’s native trees. The Mountaineers Books.
• Bender, S. (2016). The Plant Lover’s Guide to Magnolias. Timber Press.
• Campbell, C. S., & Medeiros, J. S. (2016). The evolution of Notholithocarpus (Fagaceae): insights from a new genus and species from the Eocene of Oregon, USA. International Journal of Plant Sciences, 177(4), 292-315.