Source: bing.comContents
Description
Quercus Variabilis, also known as the Chinese cork oak, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is native to eastern Asia, specifically China, and can grow up to 30 meters tall. The tree has a broad and rounded crown with a straight trunk that can reach up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark is gray-brown and deeply furrowed. Quercus Variabilis produces acorns with a cup that covers almost half of the nut.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
Quercus Variabilis has simple, alternate, and deciduous leaves. The leaves are glossy and dark green on the upper surface, while the lower surface is paler with hairs. They are 10-20 cm long and 5-10 cm wide, with a variable shape that ranges from ovate to oblong. The leaves turn yellow or brown in the autumn before falling off. The flowers of Quercus Variabilis are unisexual, with male flowers in long catkins and female flowers in small spikes. The tree blooms in April and May. The fruit of Quercus Variabilis is an acorn that is 2-3 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide. The nut is enclosed in a cup that covers almost half of the nut.
Care Guide
Quercus Variabilis grows best in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It requires full sunlight to grow properly, but can tolerate partial shade. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 6-9. Water the tree deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Prune the tree in the winter to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Common Pests & Diseases
Quercus Variabilis is susceptible to oak wilt, a lethal fungal disease that can kill the tree within a few weeks. The tree can also be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker diseases. The most common pests that attack Quercus Variabilis are oak leafminers, scale insects, and gypsy moths.
Habitat
Quercus Variabilis is native to eastern Asia, specifically China, and can be found in forests, woodlands, and hillsides. The tree prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight to grow properly.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Quercus Variabilis suitable for small gardens?
A: No, Quercus Variabilis can grow up to 30 meters tall and requires a lot of space to grow properly.
Q: When is the best time to prune Quercus Variabilis?
A: The best time to prune Quercus Variabilis is in the winter when the tree is dormant.
Q: How often should I water Quercus Variabilis?
A: Water Quercus Variabilis deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Quercus Variabilis?
A: Quercus Variabilis is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Related Plants
- Quercus rubra
- Quercus alba
- Quercus palustris
- Quercus phellos
References
- “Quercus Variabilis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275077&isprofile=0&basic=quercus%20variabilis. Accessed 27 July 2021.
- “Quercus Variabilis.” Plantwise Knowledge Bank, 25 July 2018, www.plantwise.org/KnowledgeBank/Datasheet.aspx?dsid=48485. Accessed 27 July 2021.
- “Quercus Variabilis.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/132646/i-Quercus-variabilis-i/Details. Accessed 27 July 2021.
