Plant Description
Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm., commonly known as the Burr oak, is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the family Fagaceae. This tree is native to North America and is commonly found in the midwestern and central regions of the United States.
Appearance
This oak tree can grow up to a height of 100 feet and a width of 80 feet. The tree has a broad and spreading shape with a deeply furrowed bark that is grayish-brown in color. The leaves are simple, lobed, and are about 5 to 8 inches in length. They are dark green in color and have a glossy appearance. The acorns produced by the tree are the largest of any North American oak, ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches long and 1 inch wide, and are a valuable food source for many animals.
Common Names
The Burr oak tree is also commonly known by other names, including Mossycup oak, Burr oak, Overcup oak, and Prairie oak. The common names allude to the tree’s unique, rounded, spiny, and textured acorn cup.
Uses
Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm. has several practical uses. The wood of the Burr oak tree is strong, durable, and resistant to decay, making it a popular choice for making furniture, flooring, and cabinets. Its large acorns, which have low tannin content, are also used as hog feed, and can also be boiled, roasted, or ground into flour for human consumption.
The Burr oak is also commonly planted as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and along city streets for its beautiful and fragrant foliage. Due to its size and longevity, this tree provides shelter and habitat for a variety of wildlife including birds, squirrels, and deer.
Light Requirements
Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm. typically requires full sun exposure to thrive. It is best grown in areas where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Limited light can result in slow growth, weak stems, and a lack of flowering or fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is hardy to USDA Zones 3 to 8, making it adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers cooler growing conditions, with an optimal temperature range of 60-80°F. Cooler temperatures but above freezing point are optimal for germination, while warmer temperatures are ideal for growth.
Soil Requirements
Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm. thrives in well-drained soils that are fertile, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. It prefers sandy, loamy or clay soils, which are moist, but well-draining. Poorly drained or compacted soils do not support its growth, often leading to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm.
Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm. can be propagated from acorns or grown from container-grown plants. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. The best time to plant is in the fall or early spring, while the ground is still moist.
It's recommended to prepare the soil in advance by removing weeds and loosening the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. The planting hole should be just deep enough to house the roots. After planting, mulching can help to conserve moisture and suppress weeds for the young plant.
Watering Needs of Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm.
Watering Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm. is essential, especially when newly planted or during prolonged dry spells. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not excessively wet. Mulching is also useful in retaining moisture and regulating soil temperature.
Fertilization for Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm.
Fertilizing Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm. is not necessary unless the soil is poor. In the case of nutrient deficiency or poor soil, a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the early spring or fall. However, too much fertilizer can damage the tree, and it's essential to follow recommended guidelines.
Pruning Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm.
Pruning Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm. is typically unnecessary. However, damaged or diseased branches should be removed promptly. If pruning is necessary, it's best done in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. Pruning cuts should be made just above a bud or branch junction.
Propagation of Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm.
Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm., commonly known as the Oak tree, can be propagated through several methods such as seed propagation, cutting, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation involves collecting acorns from mature Oak trees during the fall season when they fall off naturally. It is important to select healthy acorns that are free from any visible damage.
The acorns should be planted in a fertile, well-draining soil mixture in the early spring, making a hole about 2-3 inches deep. The acorns should then be covered with soil before watering them carefully, ensuring that the soil is moist but not overwatered.
If seeds are available, the germination process could take up to 2-3 months, and the plants would require regular watering. As they grow, thinning out the seedlings should occur to provide enough space for the young plants.
Cutting
Cutting propagation involves taking a cutting of a healthy Oak tree's branch, sometimes up to a length of 12-inches long, where the base is about 3/4-inches in diameter.
To ensure successful rooting, remove any leaves from the lower section of the cutting and any remaining leaves should have about half of their length reduced. The branch should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting it in a moist, well-draining soil mixture.
Keep the planted cutting in a warm, humid, and bright area, avoiding direct sunlight for at least two to three months. Regular watering with careful observation of the moisture content in the soil must ensure that the soil should not dry up or become too waterlogged.
Grafting
Grafting is the process of combining a branch of the Oak tree with the rootstock of another tree.
The best approach to succeed in the grafting process is to collect rootstock and scion wood of roughly the same thickness. The rootstock should have a clear site of grafting, and both should have an equal diameter as much as possible.
The scion wood should then be inserted into the rootstock's clear grafting site and tied securely using a rubber band or grafting tape.
After the branch has successfully established itself on the rootstock, with no signs of damage, the rubber band/grafting tape should be removed, and the area should be tied lightly for at least two to three months.
It is essential to keep the surrounding soil moist until the grafting procedure has taken hold and signs of growth emerge.
Disease and Pest Management for Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm.
Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm. is a plant that is generally resistant to diseases and pests, but some issues may arise. Proper management techniques are necessary to prevent damage and keep the plant healthy.
Common Diseases
There are various diseases that may affect Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm., but some of the most common include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dead areas on leaves and twig dieback. To prevent this disease, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering.
- Bacterial Leaf Scorch: This bacterial disease causes yellowing and browning of leaves, eventually leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, prune infected branches and maintain proper soil moisture levels.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery growth on leaves and stems. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant and reduce overhead watering.
Pest Management
While Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm. is generally pest-resistant, some pests may cause damage. Some of the most common pests include:
- Oak Wilt: This fungal disease is spread by beetles and causes wilt, yellowing, and death of foliage. To manage this disease, promptly remove infected trees, avoid pruning during the growing season, and prevent tree wounds.
- Acorn Weevil: This insect pest is a type of weevil that lays its eggs in the acorns, causing them to fall prematurely or not at all. To manage this pest, collect and destroy infested acorns and avoid planting in areas where the pest has been observed.
Conclusion
To keep Quercus macrocarpa Michx. var. depressa (Nutt.) Engelm. healthy and resistant to diseases and pests, it is important to maintain proper soil moisture levels, avoid overhead watering, and promptly remove infected or infested plant parts. If there are signs of disease or pest infestation, take immediate action to prevent further damage and maintain the plant's health.
