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Description
Notholithocarpus, also known as the tanoak tree, is a species of evergreen tree that belongs to the family Fagaceae. Native to western North America, Notholithocarpus can grow up to 40 meters tall and 60 centimeters in diameter. It has a straight trunk and a broad crown with thick branches that extend horizontally. Its leaves are oval-shaped, dark green, and glossy, while its flowers are small and yellowish-green. Its fruits are round acorns that are dark brown and enclosed in a spiny cupule.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota||————|————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Spermatophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Fagales|| Family| Fagaceae|| Genus| Notholithocarpus |
Appearance
Notholithocarpus is an attractive and stately tree that can add elegance to any garden. Its leaves are large and shiny, and they turn bronze in the fall. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray when young, but it becomes rough and scaly as it ages. Notholithocarpus produces small flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by acorns that are about 1 inch in diameter. The tree’s acorns are an important source of food for wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and birds.
Care Guide
Notholithocarpus is a low-maintenance tree that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this beautiful plant:- Water: Notholithocarpus prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. It can tolerate drought, but it will grow best with consistent moisture.- Fertilization: Notholithocarpus does not require fertilization, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: Notholithocarpus prefers acidic, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it will not grow well in heavy clay or alkaline soils.- Sunlight: Notholithocarpus prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not grow as well or produce as many acorns.- Hardiness Zones: Notholithocarpus is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Notholithocarpus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to some problems. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Sudden oak death: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the tree’s bark and leaves, causing them to wilt and die. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and keeping the tree’s canopy trimmed to promote air circulation.- Oak leaf blister: This disease causes small, raised blisters on the tree’s leaves, which can turn yellow and fall off. It can be prevented by keeping the tree’s leaves dry and removing infected leaves.- Acorn weevils: These insects lay their eggs inside the tree’s acorns, which can cause the acorns to fall prematurely. They can be controlled by removing infected acorns and using insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Notholithocarpus is native to western North America, where it can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and chaparral. It prefers well-drained soils and a moderate amount of moisture, but it can tolerate drought and a range of soil types. Notholithocarpus is an important food source for wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and birds.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Notholithocarpus grow in heavy clay soil?
A: No, Notholithocarpus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It will not grow well in heavy clay soil.Q: How often should I water my Notholithocarpus tree?
A: Notholithocarpus prefers moderate watering, which means you should water it when the soil is dry to a depth of 2-3 inches. It can tolerate drought, but it will grow best with consistent moisture.Q: Will Notholithocarpus produce acorns in partial shade?
A: Yes, Notholithocarpus can produce acorns in partial shade, but it will not grow as well or produce as many acorns as it would in full sun.Q: How can I prevent sudden oak death in my Notholithocarpus tree?
A: You can prevent sudden oak death by avoiding overhead watering and keeping the tree’s canopy trimmed to promote air circulation.
Related Plants
– Quercus robur (English oak)- Quercus ilex (Holm oak)- Quercus palustris (Pin oak)- Quercus alba (White oak)- Quercus agrifolia (Coast live oak)
References
– “Notholithocarpus densiflorus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 June 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l840– “Tanoak.” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. Accessed 15 June 2021. https://ucanr.edu/sites/oak_range/Species/Tanoak/– “Notholithocarpus densiflorus.” Calflora. Accessed 15 June 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=5969
