Origin
Quercus ×exacta Trel. is a hybrid plant that resulted from the natural crossbreeding of two oak species, Quercus imbricaria and Quercus stellata. It is native to the eastern United States, particularly in the region from Missouri to Alabama.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Quercus ×exacta Trel. include Post Oak Red Oak, Nutall Oak, and Nuttall's Red Oak. The name "Post Oak Red Oak" refers to the fact that the plant exhibits characteristics of both the Post Oak and Red Oak species, while "Nuttall Oak" and "Nuttall's Red Oak" honor the American botanist Thomas Nuttall, who first discovered the plant in the early 19th century.
Uses
Quercus ×exacta Trel. is primarily valued for its timber, which is used in furniture making, flooring, and construction. In addition, the acorns of the plant provide food for numerous wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer. The bark and leaves of the plant have also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and coughs.
General Appearance
Quercus ×exacta Trel. is a medium to large-sized tree that can reach up to 80 feet in height. The tree has a rounded, spreading crown and a thick, rough bark that is grey-brown in color. The leaves of the plant are simple, alternate, and lobed, with a shiny, dark green upper surface and a paler, duller underside. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow, bronze, or reddish-brown depending on the climate. The acorns of the plant are large, glossy, and brown, with a shallow cap that covers around a quarter of the nut.
Light Requirements
Quercus ×exacta Trel. grows best in full sun, although it can tolerate some shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce healthy leaves and flowers. This species is not suitable for growing indoors or in low light conditions.
Soil Requirements
Quercus ×exacta Trel. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, as long as the soil is not compacted. This species is not tolerant of water-logged soils and requires adequate drainage to avoid root rot.
Temperature Requirements
Quercus ×exacta Trel. is a hardy species that can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand frost and freezing temperatures in the winter and hot, dry conditions in the summer. However, it grows best in a moderate temperature range of 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C). In areas where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, this species may experience frost damage and require protection.
Water Requirements
Quercus ×exacta Trel. needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. It prefers to be watered deeply rather than frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. It is essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. In areas with heavy rainfall, this species may not require additional watering.
Cultivation and Care of Quercus ×exacta Trel.
Quercus ×exacta Trel., commonly known as Cherrybark Oak, is a hybrid plant that is a cross between Quercus falcata and Quercus pagoda. It is a large deciduous tree that can reach up to 100 feet tall and up to 3 feet in diameter. If you want to cultivate and care for this plant, here are some tips to follow.
Cultivation
Cherrybark Oak grows best in areas with well-drained soils, full sun to partial shade, and moderate water supply. It is hardy in USDA Zones 6-9. To cultivate this plant, you should choose a planting location that provides enough sunlight and shelter from strong winds. You should also ensure that the soil is well-drained and moderately fertile by amending it with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
Watering Needs
Quercus ×exacta Trel. has moderate water needs, and you should aim to provide enough water to keep the soil moist, but not wet. During the growing season, you may need to water the plant every 7-10 days, especially if the weather is dry. To avoid overwatering, ensure that the soil drains well, and avoid watering the plant during rainy periods.
Fertilization
Cherrybark Oak does not require much fertilization, but you may need to apply a slow-release fertilizer every spring to boost its growth and development. You should use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10, and apply it to the soil around the tree's base. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced plant health.
Pruning
Pruning Quercus ×exacta Trel. is not usually necessary, but you may need to remove diseased or damaged branches to maintain plant health and form. You should prune the tree during the dormant season, and avoid removing more than 25% of its canopy to prevent stress and damage. Ensure that you use sterilized pruning tools to avoid spreading diseases.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully cultivate and care for Quercus ×exacta Trel. and enjoy its beautiful foliage and shade for years to come.
Propagation of Quercus ×exacta Trel.
Propagating Quercus ×exacta Trel. can be done through various methods that include seed propagation, cuttings, layering, or grafting.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest methods of propagating Quercus ×exacta Trel. is through seeds. The best time to collect seeds is during autumn when the acorns mature. The collected acorns should be stored in a cool, dry place until spring to prepare for planting. The seeds should be sown into a prepared bed, preferably in a sunny or partially shaded area. The seedlings will be ready for transplanting the following year.
Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings involves taking a portion of the plant and encouraging it to form roots. Among the different types of cuttings, Quercus ×exacta Trel. can be propagated through softwood cuttings or hardwood cuttings.
Softwood cuttings are taken from the current year's growth while still green and flexible. The cuttings should be around six inches in length and should be stripped of leaves from the lower two-thirds. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and misted regularly until roots develop.
Hardwood cuttings, on the other hand, are prepared during the dormant season from mature wood. Cuttings should be about 12 inches long and around the thickness of a pencil. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil, and the soil kept moist until roots develop the following spring.
Layering
Layering involves bending a branch towards the soil and burying a portion of the branch that will develop roots. After a period of time, the rooted portion of the branch can be cut and completely separated from the parent plant. Quercus ×exacta Trel. can be propagated through simple layering or air layering.
Grafting
Grafting Quercus ×exacta Trel. involves connecting a stem or bud from one plant to a growing rootstock. This method of propagation is usually carried out in the late winter or early spring when the tree's growth is slowed down. Grafting is usually done on young, two-year-old seedlings, and it is important to ensure compatibility between the scion and rootstock for successful grafting.
Disease and Pest Management for Quercus ×exacta Trel.
Quercus ×exacta Trel. is a hybrid oak tree that is relatively resistant to disease and pests. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain afflictions that can damage its health and productivity.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Quercus ×exacta Trel. is oak wilt. This fungal disease can cause leaf discoloration, defoliation, and tree death. To manage oak wilt, it is important to avoid injuring the tree, as this can provide an entry point for the fungus. In addition, fungicidal treatments may be effective in managing the disease.
Another disease that can affect Quercus ×exacta Trel. is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause a white powdery growth on leaves, stems, and fruits. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to avoid overhead watering and to prune infected foliage. Fungicidal treatments may also be effective in controlling the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids are a common pest that can infest Quercus ×exacta Trel. trees. These small insects feed on the tree's sap and can cause leaf distortion and discoloration. To manage aphids, it is important to introduce natural predators, such as lacewings and ladybugs. In addition, horticultural oils can be effective in suffocating the insects.
Another pest that can affect Quercus ×exacta Trel. is the oak leaf roller. These caterpillars can cause defoliation and tree stress. To manage oak leaf rollers, it is important to prune infected foliage and to introduce natural predators, such as birds and parasitic wasps. Insecticidal treatments may also be effective in controlling the pests.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Quercus ×exacta Trel. is prevention. By maintaining tree health, avoiding injuries, and introducing natural predators, it is possible to minimize the risk of affliction and maintain a healthy, productive tree.
