Quercus Obtusata
Source: bing.comContents
Description
Quercus Obtusata, also known as the coast live oak or California live oak, is a type of evergreen oak tree that is native to the coastal regions of California and Baja California, Mexico. It is a member of the Fagaceae family and is known for its large, spreading canopy and thick, gnarled trunk.
The tree can grow up to 82 feet tall and 80 feet wide, with a trunk diameter of up to 5 feet. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture and a length of up to 4 inches. The tree produces acorns that are an important food source for many animals, including birds, squirrels, and deer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
| Species | Quercus Obtusata |
Appearance
The Quercus Obtusata has a large, spreading canopy that can provide shade and shelter for a variety of animals. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture and a length of up to 4 inches. The tree produces acorns that are an important food source for many animals, including birds, squirrels, and deer. The bark of the tree is dark brown and deeply furrowed, with ridges and grooves that can provide habitat for insects and other small organisms.
Care Guide
The Quercus Obtusata is a hardy tree that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, but it does require some care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your Quercus Obtusata:
- Water: The tree should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently in the winter.
- Fertilization: The tree does not require regular fertilization, but an application of slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help it grow.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Quercus Obtusata is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to several common problems:
- Sudden oak death: This disease is caused by a fungus and can kill the tree within a few years. Symptoms include wilting leaves and cankers on the trunk.
- Acorn weevils: These insects can damage the acorns and reduce the tree’s seed production.
- Oak moths: These insects can defoliate the tree and reduce its vigor.
Habitat
The Quercus Obtusata is native to the coastal regions of California and Baja California, Mexico. It is commonly found in oak woodlands, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub habitats. The tree provides habitat for a variety of animals, including birds, squirrels, and deer.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the lifespan of a Quercus Obtusata?
A: The tree can live for several hundred years, with some specimens known to have lived for over 500 years.
Q: Can Quercus Obtusata be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow the tree in a container, it is not recommended. The tree can grow quite large and will require a lot of space to thrive.
Q: What is the best time of year to plant Quercus Obtusata?
A: The best time to plant the tree is in the fall, when temperatures are cooler and there is more moisture in the soil.
Q: How much sunlight does Quercus Obtusata require?
A: The tree prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
Related Plants
- Quercus agrifolia (coastal live oak)
- Quercus lobata (valley oak)
- Quercus wislizeni (interior live oak)
References
- “Quercus Obtusata.” Calflora.
- “Quercus Obtusata.” USDA Plants Database.
- “Coast Live Oak.” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources.
