Origin
Quercus ×smallii Trel. is a hybrid oak tree that originated in the United States. It is a cross between Quercus shumardii and Quercus stellata. The tree was first discovered in Oklahoma in the 1900s and was named after John Kunkel Small, an American botanist.
Common Names
Quercus ×smallii Trel. is commonly known as Small's oak or Shumard oak. Other common names include Big Tree oak, Canyon oak, Iron oak, Schneck oak, and Spotted oak.
Uses
Quercus ×smallii Trel. is commonly used as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and landscapes. The tree also has commercial value for its high-quality wood, which is used for furniture, flooring, and construction. The fruit of the tree, acorns, are food for wildlife and can be used for animal feed.
General Appearance
Quercus ×smallii Trel. is a medium to large deciduous tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. The tree has a rounded and spreading crown with a straight trunk and grayish brown bark. The leaves are simple, lobed, and have deep sinuses with an oblong shape. The leaves are green and turn red or brown in the fall. The tree produces acorns that are large and round with a shallow cup.
Growth Conditions for Quercus ×smallii Trel.
Quercus ×smallii Trel. is a hybrid variety of oak tree that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet and a spread of 20-40 feet. The tree is known for its attractive foliage and bark, as well as its tolerance for a wide range of soil types.
Light Requirements
Quercus ×smallii Trel. requires full sun to partial shade in order to grow properly. It is best to plant the tree in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. While the tree can tolerate some shade, it may develop issues with disease or pest infestations if it does not receive enough light.
Temperature Requirements
Quercus ×smallii Trel. is capable of growing in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers moderate temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. The tree is also tolerant of drought conditions, but it may require additional watering during periods of extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
Quercus ×smallii Trel. can grow in a range of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The tree is tolerant of acidic and alkaline soils, and it can grow in soils with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.5. However, it is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
In conclusion, Quercus ×smallii Trel. is a hardy oak tree that can thrive in a variety of growth conditions. By providing the tree with the right amount of sunlight, moderate temperatures, and well-draining soil, it is possible to create an optimal growing environment and achieve healthy, attractive growth.
Cultivation Methods for Quercus ×smallii Trel.
Quercus ×smallii Trel., commonly known as Small's oak, is a hybrid species found mainly in Texas. The plant requires a well-draining soil and full sunlight to grow optimally. It can tolerate some shade, but a shady location may promote pests and disease. The ideal temperature range for Small's oak is between 60-85°F. To cultivate Quercus ×smallii Trel., you can plant a seedling or a sapling in a spacious pot with good drainage or directly in the ground.
Watering Needs for Quercus ×smallii Trel.
The watering needs of Small's oak vary depending on the climate, soil type, and age of the plant. Newly planted saplings require frequent watering to establish root growth. Mature plants can tolerate periods of drought. However, you should water Quercus ×smallii Trel. deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can cause the roots to rot. Providing a layer of mulch around the plant can help retain moisture and minimize the frequency of watering.
Fertilization of Quercus ×smallii Trel.
Small's oak is a low-maintenance plant and can grow well without frequent fertilization. However, you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. Choose a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers like compost or well-rotted manure to nourish the plant and improve soil structure.
Pruning of Quercus ×smallii Trel.
Small's oak requires minimal pruning to stay healthy and maintain an attractive shape. You can prune the plant during the dormant season to remove damaged, diseased, or crossing branches. It is also advisable to prune the lower branches to promote better air circulation and light penetration. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can weaken the plant and reduce its overall vigor. Sanitize the pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Propagation of Quercus ×smallii Trel.
Quercus ×smallii Trel. is a hybrid oak tree resulting from the natural cross between Quercus shumardii Buckl. and Quercus stellata Wangenh. For propagation purposes, the tree can be propagated through sexual or asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
The oak tree can be propagated through seeds. The seeds should be collected from the parent trees and planted immediately on seedbeds. The best time to collect oak seeds is in the fall. The seedbeds should be moist and well-drained. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 inch and covered with soil. Germination may take place after two to three weeks.
Asexual Propagation
Quercus ×smallii Trel. can be propagated asexually through several methods:
- Cuttings: Hardwood cuttings can be collected during winter when the tree is dormant. The cuttings should be from pencil-thick shoots and should be about 6 to 8 inches long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained medium. Roots may develop after six to eight weeks.
- Air-layering: Air-layering can also be used in propagating Quercus ×smallii Trel. This involves injuring the stem of the tree and covering the wounded part with a moist medium. Roots will develop from the injured part, and the rooted stem can be cut off and planted in a pot or directly on the ground.
- Grafting: Quercus ×smallii Trel. can also be grafted onto rootstocks of other oak species. The best time to graft is in late winter or early spring. The scions should be taken from healthy trees, and the rootstocks should be compatible with the scions.
Overall, Quercus ×smallii Trel. can be propagated through sexual or asexual means, which can help in maintaining the characteristics of this hybrid oak tree and producing more plants for landscaping or reforestation purposes.
Common Diseases and Pests Affecting Quercus ×smallii Trel.
Quercus ×smallii Trel. is susceptible to several diseases and pests, which can significantly impact the health of the plant. Effective disease and pest management strategies are necessary to maintain the plant's vigor and prevent damage.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Quercus ×smallii Trel. is oak wilt. It is caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum and can cause the leaves to turn brown and wilt. Branch dieback and tree death can occur if the disease is not managed early. Fungicides can be used to manage the disease, and proper pruning techniques can prevent the disease from spreading.
Another common disease is powdery mildew. It is caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe alphitoides and can affect both the leaves and stems of the plant. The disease causes a white powdery layer to form on the leaves and can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize. Fungicides and proper watering techniques can help manage the disease.
Pests
Quercus ×smallii Trel. is also susceptible to several pests, including oak leaf blister, oak leafhopper, and oak skeletonizer. Oak leaf blister, caused by the fungus Taphrina caerulescens, causes small blisters on the leaves and can reduce photosynthesis. Proper pruning and removal of infected leaves can help manage the pest.
The oak leafhopper, Platycotis vittata Uhler, feeds on the sap of the leaves and can cause leaf yellowing and wilt. Removal of infected leaves and the use of insecticides can help manage the pest. The oak skeletonizer, Bucculatrix ainsliella, causes skeletonization of the leaves and can reduce photosynthesis. Insecticides and the use of natural predators such as parasitic wasps can help manage the pest.
Management Strategies
Effective management of diseases and pests is essential for the health of Quercus ×smallii Trel. Here are some strategies that can help control and manage diseases and pests:
- Plant resistant cultivars
- Proper pruning techniques to promote airflow and remove infected limbs
- Remove infected leaves and debris
- Water the plant properly (avoid overhead watering) to prevent fungal growth
- Use fungicides and insecticides as needed (consult a professional for proper application rates)
- Use natural predators such as parasitic wasps to control pest populations
By implementing these management strategies, Quercus ×smallii Trel. can be kept healthy and productive throughout its lifespan.
