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(Quercus pubescens)
Downy Oak (Quercus pubescens)
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Nico Hernandez
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Nico Hernandez
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nico Hernandez | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nico Hernandez | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-08-11T08:57:44-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Quercus pubescens, commonly known as Downy Oak, is a deciduous tree native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and the scrubby hillsides of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It can grow as a shrub or medium-sized tree up to 20 meters (66 feet) tall. In forests, Downy Oak tends to grow taller, while in open areas, it develops a broad and irregular crown. This species is long-lived, often surviving several hundred years, and mature specimens can have trunks up to 2 meters (6+1⁄2 feet) in diameter. The leaves are downy, hence the common name, and are retained late into the autumn, remaining green until early winter before turning russet or brown and falling off.
Downy Oak is valued for its picturesque form and the longevity it brings to landscapes. It is suitable for use in large gardens, parks, and as a specimen tree. The tree’s ability to hold onto its leaves into winter can provide extended visual interest in a garden setting. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for xeriscaping and for gardeners seeking low-maintenance trees. Downy Oak prefers full sun and can adapt to a range of soil types, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to oak wilt and powdery mildew. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness, but as with many oaks, it should be given plenty of space to accommodate its eventual size.CC BY-SA 4.0
Downy Oak is valued for its picturesque form and the longevity it brings to landscapes. It is suitable for use in large gardens, parks, and as a specimen tree. The tree’s ability to hold onto its leaves into winter can provide extended visual interest in a garden setting. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for xeriscaping and for gardeners seeking low-maintenance trees. Downy Oak prefers full sun and can adapt to a range of soil types, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to oak wilt and powdery mildew. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness, but as with many oaks, it should be given plenty of space to accommodate its eventual size.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 40-60 feet
- Width: 20-40 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, and scrubby hillsides of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region
Other Names
Common Names: Pubescent Oak, Flaum-Eiche, Donzige Eik, Dab Omszony
Scientific Names: , Quercus pubescens, Quercus pungens, Quercus mediterranea, Quercus glomerata, Quercus humilis subsp. humilis, Quercus robur subsp. pubescens, Quercus robur var. humilis, Quercus elegantula, Quercus sessiliflora var. pubescens
GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus pubescens Willd.