Quercus Marilandica
Source: bing.comContents
Description
Quercus Marilandica, commonly known as the Blackjack Oak, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States. It is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows between 20 to 50 feet tall and has a spread of 20 to 50 feet wide. The Blackjack Oak is known for its rough, deeply furrowed bark and its characteristic blackjack-shaped leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
The Blackjack Oak has a distinct appearance with its deeply furrowed, rough bark and its blackjack-shaped leaves. The leaves are typically 3 to 7 inches long and 2 to 5 inches wide with a glossy green upper surface and a fuzzy, pale green lower surface. The leaves turn a reddish-brown color in the fall before dropping.The tree produces acorns that are about 1 inch long with a shallow cap. The acorns are an important food source for wildlife.
Care Guide
Water: The Blackjack Oak is drought tolerant but will benefit from regular watering during dry periods.Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate a wide range of soil types.Sunlight: The Blackjack Oak prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Blackjack Oak is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to oak wilt, a fungal disease that can be fatal to the tree. Other potential pests and diseases include scales, mites, and leaf spot.
Habitat
The Blackjack Oak is found in a variety of habitats including upland forests, savannas, and prairies. It is tolerant of dry, rocky soils and is often found on hillsides and ridges.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Blackjack Oak a good shade tree?
A: The Blackjack Oak is not a great choice for a shade tree as it has a relatively small canopy.Q: Can the Blackjack Oak grow in wet soils?
A: The tree prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate occasional flooding.Q: Does the Blackjack Oak have any special cultural significance?
A: The tree was historically used for tanning leather and its bark was used to make ink. It is also an important food source for wildlife.Q: Can the acorns of the Blackjack Oak be eaten by humans?
A: While the acorns of the Blackjack Oak are technically edible, they are very bitter and not commonly consumed by humans.
Related Plants
- Quercus alba (White Oak)
- Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak)
- Quercus rubra (Red Oak)
- Quercus palustris (Pin Oak)
References
- “Quercus marilandica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d310
- “Quercus marilandica.” North Carolina State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/quercus-marilandica/
- “Quercus marilandica.” United States Department of Agriculture. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=QUMA
