Quercus Minima
Source: bing.comContents
Description
Quercus Minima, also known as the dwarf live oak, is a small evergreen tree that belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found from Texas to Florida. The tree has a slow growth rate and can reach a height of up to 20 feet. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and rough, and the leaves are small and leathery, with a dark green color on top and a lighter shade underneath. The tree produces acorns that are small in size and have a cap that covers only a portion of the nut.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
| Species | Minima |
Appearance
Quercus Minima is a small evergreen tree with a dense and rounded crown. The bark is grayish-brown and rough, with deep furrows and ridges. The leaves are small and leathery, with a dark green color on top and a lighter shade underneath. They are oblong in shape and have a smooth margin. The tree produces acorns that are small in size, about 1/2 inch long, and have a cap that covers only a portion of the nut. The acorns mature in one year and are a food source for wildlife.
Care Guide
Quercus Minima is a low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. The tree has a moderate drought tolerance and should be watered regularly during the first few years of growth. Fertilization is not necessary, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Quercus Minima is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by oak wilt, a fungal disease that causes the leaves to wilt and turn brown. The disease can be prevented by avoiding pruning during the growing season and by using sterile tools when pruning. Other pests that can affect the tree include oak leafrollers, oak leafminers, and galls. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal sprays.
Habitat
Quercus Minima is native to the southeastern United States and can be found from Texas to Florida. It grows in a variety of habitats, including pine and oak woodlands, savannas, and prairies. The tree is adapted to a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, and can tolerate acidic to alkaline soil pH levels.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the growth rate of Quercus Minima?
A: Quercus Minima has a slow growth rate and can take up to 10 years to reach a height of 6 feet.
Q: Is Quercus Minima a deciduous tree?
A: No, Quercus Minima is an evergreen tree that retains its leaves throughout the year.
Q: Can Quercus Minima be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Quercus Minima can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full potential size.
Q: Is Quercus Minima a good tree for wildlife?
A: Yes, Quercus Minima produces acorns that are a food source for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer.
Related Plants
- Quercus alba
- Quercus coccinea
- Quercus falcata
- Quercus virginiana
References
- “Quercus minima.” Floridata. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/822.
- “Dwarf Live Oak.” Texas A&M Forest Service. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/uploadedFiles/TFSMain/Manage_Forest_and_Trees/Forestry_Services/Tree_ID/dwarf%20live%20oak.pdf.
- “Quercus minima.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=QUMI.
