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Description
Quercus Buckleyi, commonly known as Texas Red Oak, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is native to the southern United States, specifically in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The tree has a rounded crown, which makes it an excellent shade tree. Its bark is gray and smooth when young but becomes rough and scaly with age. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a length of 3 to 6 inches. They are dark green on top and pale green underneath. During fall, the leaves turn a beautiful red color, making it an attractive tree for landscaping purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
Quercus Buckleyi can grow up to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Its trunk can have a diameter of up to 3 feet. The tree has a rounded crown, which makes it an excellent shade tree. Its bark is gray and smooth when young but becomes rough and scaly with age. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a length of 3 to 6 inches. They are dark green on top and pale green underneath. During fall, the leaves turn a beautiful red color, making it an attractive tree for landscaping purposes.
Care Guide
Quercus Buckleyi is a low maintenance tree that can tolerate drought and heat. However, it still requires proper care to thrive. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water young trees regularly until they establish. Afterward, they can tolerate drought but still require occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing the tree during late summer or fall.
- Soil: The tree grows well in well-drained soils with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. It can also tolerate alkaline soils.
- Sunlight: Quercus Buckleyi prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Quercus Buckleyi is usually resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common issues:
- Oak Wilt: A fungal disease that causes the tree to wilt and die. Infected trees should be removed and destroyed immediately.
- Borers: Insects that bore into the tree’s bark and disrupt its water and nutrient supply. Infected trees should be treated with insecticides.
- Aphids: Small insects that suck the sap from the tree’s leaves. Infected trees should be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Quercus Buckleyi is native to the southern United States, specifically in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. It usually grows in dry, rocky soils on hills and slopes. The tree can also be found in woodlands, prairies, and savannas. It provides shelter and food for various wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Quercus Buckleyi a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Quercus Buckleyi is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach maturity.
Q: Does Quercus Buckleyi have any special requirements for pruning?
A: No, Quercus Buckleyi doesn’t require any special pruning requirements. It’s best to prune the tree during the dormant season to prevent damage.
Q: Can Quercus Buckleyi be grown in containers?
A: No, Quercus Buckleyi is a large tree that requires a lot of space to grow. It’s not suitable for container gardening.
Q: Is Quercus Buckleyi a good shade tree?
A: Yes, Quercus Buckleyi is an excellent shade tree that can provide ample shade during summer.
Related Plants
- Quercus Alba
- Quercus Falcata
- Quercus Palustris
- Quercus Rubra
References
- NatureServe. (2021). Quercus buckleyi. Retrieved from https://explorer.natureserve.org/Search?sn=Quercus+buckleyi
- USDA. (2021). Plants Profile for Quercus buckleyi. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=QUBU
- Texas A&M Forest Service. (2021). Texas Red Oak. Retrieved from https://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/uploadedFiles/TFS_Main_Content/Trees_and_woodlands/Tree_ID/Texas%20Red%20Oak.pdf
