Origin of Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg.
Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. is a hybrid plant resulting from the cross-breeding of Quercus marilandica and Quercus stellata. It belongs to the family Fagaceae, which is native to eastern and central North America. This hybrid plant was first discovered in the Compton Mountains of Oklahoma in the United States.
Common Names of Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg.
Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. is commonly referred to as Compton oak, Oklahoma oak, scrub pin oak, or blackjack oak. It gets its name from Compton Mountains in Oklahoma where it was first found.
Uses of Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg.
Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. is commonly used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant. It is preferred by landscapers due to its attractive foliage that changes color from dark green to reddish-brown in the fall. This plant is also suitable for erosion control because of its deep root system that stabilizes the soil. The Compton oak produces small acorns that are essential food for various wildlife species, including deer, squirrels, and birds.
General Appearance of Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg.
Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30–40 feet tall with a spread of up to 20–30 feet. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, and oblong-shaped, measuring about 3–6 inches long and 2–4 inches wide. The Compton oak produces small and rounded acorns that mature in one year and are about 0.75–1 inch in diameter. Its bark is dark, scaly, and deeply ridged, giving it a distinct and attractive appearance.
Light requirements
Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Partial shade is also tolerable for this plant.
Temperature requirements
This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal range is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. During the winter, temperature drops of up to -15 degrees Celsius are tolerable by Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. If the temperature falls below this range, the plant may not survive.
Soil requirements
The soil must be well-drained for Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. to grow well. It prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. This plant also grows well in sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. Organic matter is crucial for the proper growth of this plant. It will thrive in soils rich in organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation Methods for Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg.
Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. is a hybrid oak plant that can thrive in various soil types such as well-drained soil and sandy soil. When planting, ensure that you provide enough space to encourage proper growth and development.
It is advisable to plant Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. during the early fall to give the plant enough time to establish its roots before winter. You can also plant it during the spring but avoid planting during hot, dry weather.
Watering Needs for Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg.
During the initial planting phase, ensure you water the plant regularly to encourage root growth and establishment. Water the plant deeply at least once a week, especially during dry weather conditions.
You can reduce the watering intervals as the plant becomes established. However, be cautious not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization of Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg.
While Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. is a hardy plant, it can benefit from periodic fertilization. Fertilize the plant seasonally to encourage growth and development.
You can apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil around the plant's base. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
Pruning Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg.
Pruning is essential in maintaining Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg.'s shape and size. Ensure you prune the plant annually to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Prune the plant during the winter months, when it is dormant, and avoid pruning during hot weather. Cut any damaged branches back to the nearest healthy bud, and prune to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant.
Propagation of Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg.
Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg., commonly known as Compton Oak, is a hybrid plant that is propagated through different methods. Here are the three primary methods of Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. propagation:
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method of Quercus ×comptoniae is through seeds. It is essential to collect the ripest acorns, which mature between September and October. Once the acorns have been collected, they must be cleaned and allowed to dry properly. Afterward, they should be stored in a cold, dry, dark place until the following spring, just before germination.
Before sowing, acorns must be soaked in warm water for 24 hours, then placed into soilless mix in plastic flats. When sowing, make sure that the pointed end of the acorn is pointing upwards and buried about 1¼ inch deep. The flats should be kept warm in bright light conditions and watered regularly. Seed germination typically occurs in four to six weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method of propagating Quercus ×comptoniae. This method is generally carried out in late spring or early summer. Semi-hardwood cutting from healthy plants should be collected and prepared by removing the lower leaves and cutting them 4 to 5 inches in length. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a potting mix or sand. The cuttings should be watered regularly, kept humid, and placed under bright light conditions. Rooting typically occurs in four to six weeks.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another propagation method that is commonly used in Quercus ×comptoniae. Grafting on young seedlings during early spring is the most common grafting method. The most used grafting method is the T-bud in which a bud from the scion is inserted under the bark of the rootstock. After grafting, the plants should be kept hydrated and protected from direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Overall, the propagation of Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. can be done through different methods of cutting, seed, or grafting. With proper care, the new plants will grow healthy and free from diseases.
Disease Management
Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. is generally a healthy plant but can be affected by various diseases such as:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes foliar blight, twig blight, and cankers. The best way to manage anthracnose is to prune infected branches and dispose of them. The tree should be watered adequately and fertilized appropriately.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves. The best way to manage powdery mildew is to avoid overhead watering, remove infected parts and improve air circulation.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that appears on the leaves as spots that are yellow, orange, or brown. The best way to manage rust is to prune infected parts, remove fallen leaves, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. can also be affected by pests such as:
- Oak leafrollers: These pests chew leaves, causing them to curl and fall off. The best way to manage oak leafrollers is to prune infected parts and apply insecticides.
- Gall wasps: These pests cause abnormal growths on the leaves and twigs, which can weaken the tree. The best way to manage gall wasps is to prune infected parts and apply insecticides.
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the leaves and branches, sucking sap from the plant. The best way to manage scale insects is to prune infected parts and apply insecticides.
Regular monitoring and maintenance of Quercus ×comptoniae Sarg. can help prevent diseases and pests from affecting the plant. It is also important to practice proper sanitation measures, such as removing fallen leaves and debris, to reduce the likelihood of disease and pest infestations.
