Species downy oak
lime-green foliage with brown branches

downy oak

Quercus pubescens var. crispata

Downy oak (Quercus pubescens var. crispata) is a hardy native tree of the Mediterranean region. The green leaves are pinnate-lobed and have a silky, downy texture. They turn an russet-brown shade in autumn. This deciduous tree produces male flowers in the spring and produces small acorns in clusters which mature in October. Its dense canopy provides excellent shade in gardens and parks, making it an attractive ornamental tree. Its hardiness and drought resistance make it also an ideal choice for planting in difficult situations. Additionally these trees are widely popular for use as hedges.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Yellowish-green Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Downy Oak should be watered deeply every 7-10 days, depending on weather conditions. When watering, soil should be moistened to a depth of 8-12 inches. Water can be applied using a hose or sprinkler. During dry periods, a slightly longer interval between watering may be needed to avoid over-saturation of the soil. When watering, make sure to saturate the root zone of the plant. Soaker hoses work well for this purpose.

sunlight

Downy oak is a deciduous tree that is native to Europe and grows best in full sun. This species should receive a minimum of 6-8 hours of sun each day to ensure optimal growth. However, some young trees may require additional sunlight during the summer months when days are longer. It is important to note that too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burn, so it is important to provide adequate shade during hot afternoons.

pruning

Downy oak should be pruned in late winter, preferably before March 1st to ensure key bloom cycle and maximum health for the entire tree. Pruning should begin when the tree is still young, as this allows for maximum potential growth as the tree matures. The amount of pruning should be light to moderate. This species is easy to prune as dead, dying or otherwise damaged branches may be targeted and removed without causing too much shock to the tree system. Additionally, any branches that may be growing too densely or competing with other branches may be reduced to maximize internal airflow and sunlight penetration. The goal of pruning Downy Oak is not only to encourage healthy growth and reduce overcrowding, but also to reduce the chances of insect and disease infestations.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Quercus pubescens var. crispata (downy oak) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Downy oak typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Quercus pubescens var. crispata (downy oak) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map