Overview
Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter is a hybrid plant, a cross between Quercus lobata (valley oak) and Quercus douglasii (blue oak). It belongs to the beech family, Fagaceae. The plant was first identified and named in 1946 by William C. Davis.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Davis oak, Chase's oak, Shreve oak, and Quercus ×shrevei (a synonym for Quercus ×chasei). The name Davis oak honors William C. Davis, the botanist who first identified the plant. The name Chase's oak is after Mary Katherine Chase, another botanist who studied oaks in California.
Appearance
The Quercus ×chasei plant grows up to 70 feet tall (21 meters). It has a broad, roundish crown and a rough bark that appears flaky in mature specimens. The leaves are deciduous and are alternately arranged on the stems. They are oblong in shape, with rounded lobes, and can be up to 5 inches (12 cm) long. The flowers of the plant appear in the spring, just as the leaves begin to grow. The fruits, which are acorns, mature in the fall and are small and roundish.
Uses
Quercus ×chasei is mainly used as a shade tree and as an ornamental plant in landscapes. Due to its large size, it is best suited for large properties or parks. The acorns of the plant can be eaten by wildlife, such as squirrels and deer. Some Native American tribes used the acorns as a food source, but preparation requires grinding and leaching to remove the bitter tannins.
Light Requirements
The Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter plant prefers full sunlight exposure, which means a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight exposure every day. The plant will not thrive in heavily shaded areas, and its leaves may become thin and provide insufficient shade cover for itself and other plants.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is cold-hardy and can survive a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 60°F to 80°F. Extreme heat or cold temperatures may cause stunted growth, leaf browning, and leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
The Quercus ×chasei plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it grows best in slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. To promote growth, the soil should be moist but never waterlogged.
Cultivation methods for Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter
Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter is a hybrid oak tree. It can grow up to 30 feet tall with a spread of 15-20 feet. For successful cultivation, the tree should be planted in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The hybrid oak tree prefers full sun to partial shade and must be protected from extreme winds. It is a low maintenance tree and requires minimal attention.
Watering needs for Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter
Watering is critical during the first year after planting a Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter tree to establish root systems. After the tree’s initial growth period, it can survive on the seasonal rainfall. However, prolonged dry periods may require additional watering. The tree must be watered deeply and infrequently to avoid waterlogging the soil or causing root rot.
Fertilization for Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter
Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter does not require heavy fertilization. Occasional applications of slow-release balanced fertilizers are all the tree needs to thrive. The fertilizer must be spread around the base of the tree and watered lightly after application. It is best to fertilize in spring or fall.
Pruning for Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter
Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter does not require routine pruning. Any corrective pruning must be done in the dormant season to avoid damaging the tree. Broken, diseased, or damaged branches must be pruned immediately with sterile equipment. The central leader and dominant branches must be guided to ensure a healthy mature tree.
Propagation of Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter
Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter, commonly known as Chase's oak, is a natural hybrid of Quercus dumosa and Quercus durata. The plant is propagated through various methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
Quercus ×chasei can be propagated from seed, which is collected in late summer or fall when they have ripened and turned brown. The seeds must be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. The germination process can take several weeks to a few months. Once germinated, the seedlings should be transplanted into individual containers, and the soil should be kept moist, but not saturated.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Quercus ×chasei is through cuttings. The cuttings can be taken in mid-summer from semi-hardwood, which is the current year's growth that has started to harden. The cuttings should be taken from the upper portion of the stem, and all leaves should be removed except for the top two or three. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a shaded location until roots have formed. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers.
Layering Propagation
Quercus ×chasei can also be propagated through layering. Layering involves bending a flexible stem to the ground and covering it with soil, leaving the tip of the stem above the surface. The stem will grow roots where it is covered with soil. When roots have formed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into individual containers.
In conclusion, propagating Quercus ×chasei McMinn, Babcock & Righter can be accomplished through various methods such as seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and layering propagation. Gardeners can choose their preferred method depending on the available resources and desired outcome.
Disease Management
Like all plants, Quercus ×chasei is susceptible to various diseases. The most common diseases that affect this species include oak wilt and anthracnose.
Oak Wilt: Oak wilt is a fungal disease that affects the vascular system of the tree, causing it to wilt and eventually die. It is spread by insects and root grafts, and once the disease sets in, it can spread quickly throughout the tree. To manage oak wilt, it is important to remove infected trees or branches and to avoid pruning during the summer months when the disease is most active.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the tree, causing dark spots and brown patches. It is common during cool, wet spring weather and can lead to defoliation if not managed properly. To manage anthracnose, it is important to keep the area around the tree clean and free of fallen leaves and debris. Fungicides may also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Quercus ×chasei is also susceptible to various pests. The most common pests that affect this species include oak scale and gypsy moth.
Oak Scale: Oak scale is an insect that feeds on the sap of the tree, causing yellowing leaves and twig dieback. It can also attract ants and lead to mold and fungus growth. To manage oak scale, it is important to prune infected areas and to use horticultural oils or insecticides to control the population.
Gypsy Moth: Gypsy moth is a caterpillar that feeds on the leaves of the tree, causing defoliation and weakening the tree. It can also attract other pests and lead to secondary infections. To manage gypsy moth, it is important to use pheromone traps to monitor their population and to remove egg masses from the tree during the winter months. Insecticides may also be used to control the population.
