Quercus ilex
Mediterranean plant
| Latin name | Quercus ilex |
| Alternative name | Stone oak |
| Homeland | Southern Europe, North Africa |
| Family | Fagаceae |
| Cultivation | simple |
| Location | in the open sun or partial shade |
| Temperature | does not tolerate prolonged severe frosts |
| Watering | only required for young plants |
| Flowering time | spring, undecorated |
| Height | up to 25 m, often a shrubby plant |
| Transplanting | not performed |
| Appearance maintenance | remove growth |
Stone oak (Quercus ilex) is a member of the 450-species genus Quercus. This tree is distinguished by an erect trunk, often branching from the base. Young branches are grayish and pubescent. The brown-gray bark gradually darkens with age; in adult specimens, it is separated by quadrangular scales. The leaves are dense, leathery, oval-elliptical in shape, with a solid or prickly edge (both can grow on the same plant). The upper side is glossy and dark green, the reverse side is slightly pubescent and grayish. Nondescript flowers are same-sex. Males are gathered in earrings; females are either solitary or grow in bunches. In place of the female flowers, egg-shaped acorns with pluses (the part that covers the base of the acorn) are formed. The tree grows relatively quickly; it usually lives for a very long time.
Stone oak (Quercus ilex) is a member of the 450-species genus Quercus. This tree is distinguished by an erect trunk, often branching from the base. Young branches are grayish and pubescent. The brown-gray bark gradually darkens with age; in adult specimens, it is separated by quadrangular scales. The leaves are dense, leathery, oval-elliptical in shape, with a solid or prickly edge (both can grow on the same plant). The upper side is glossy and dark green, the reverse side is slightly pubescent and grayish.
Nondescript flowers are same-sex. Males are gathered in earrings; females are either solitary or grow in bunches. In place of the female flowers, egg-shaped acorns with pluses (the part that covers the base of the acorn) are formed. The tree grows relatively quickly; it usually lives for a very long time.
Cultivation
Stone oak is used in park plantings, as it has a high decorative effect. Planted in the ground in the spring. It is not demanding in relation to the land; however, it grows better in slightly acidic soils. The plant has an extremely beautiful natural crown shape, so no pruning is required.
Location
In the open sun or partial shade.
Temperature
Despite its winter hardiness, stone oak does not tolerate a strong or prolonged drop in temperature to sub-zero. It successfully winters in mild climates.
Watering
It can withstand droughts well, even prolonged ones. Therefore, watering is required only at an early stage of cultivation, starting with planting in the ground.
Care
Remove dry and damaged branches and shoots that form at the base of the trunk.
Reproduction
Stone oak can be propagated by seed. Remember that acorns retain their ability to germinate only for 2 months. Therefore, they should be immediately planted in the soil that fills pots or boxes that are left in the air. After 2-3 years, the seedlings are planted in the fall in the open ground. You can also separate the offspring that form at the base of the trunk after they have formed the root system.
Stone oak can be propagated by seed. Remember that acorns retain their ability to germinate only for 2 months. Therefore, they should be immediately planted in the soil that fills pots or boxes that are left in the air.
After 2-3 years, the seedlings are planted in the fall in the open ground. You can also separate the offspring that form at the base of the trunk after they have formed the root system.
Diseases
Stone oak, as a rule, is resistant to diseases and pest attacks. Spots appear on the leaves caused by a pathogenic fungus that affects this particular plant, Elsinoe quercus ilex. In this case, it is necessary to carry out chemical treatment. Grape pruritus and gallica (a small dipterous insect) can cause the appearance of galls (blisters) on the leaves; phylloxera provokes the appearance of necrotic spots on the leaves.
Stone oak, as a rule, is resistant to diseases and pest attacks. Spots appear on the leaves caused by a pathogenic fungus that affects this particular plant, Elsinoe quercus ilex. In this case, it is necessary to carry out chemical treatment.
Grape pruritus and gallica (a small dipterous insect) can cause the appearance of galls (blisters) on the leaves; phylloxera provokes the appearance of necrotic spots on the leaves.
Acquisition
Stone oak is easily found in specialized gardening centers and nurseries. The best time to buy is spring - you can immediately plant it in the ground.