Overview
Quercus ×tottenii Melvin is a deciduous hybrid oak tree that comes from the red oak group and has been registered in the plant kingdom as a natural hybrid between Quercus shumardii and Quercus texana.
Common Names
The plant Quercus ×tottenii Melvin is widely known as Totten oak, Texas red oak, Shumard oak, and Bigelow oak. It was named after John R. Totten, who was a botanist from Virginia.
Origin
Quercus ×tottenii Melvin is found in the southeastern part of the United States. The natural range of this hybrid oak tree is within the area where its parental species, Quercus shumardii and Quercus texana, coexist in parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Appearance
The plant Quercus ×tottenii Melvin looks similar to its parental species, Quercus shumardii and Quercus texana, with a pyramidal shape and moderate growth rate. The tree can grow up to 100 feet tall, and the trunk can reach up to 3 feet in diameter. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and lobed with an average length of 5-7 inches and a width of 3-5 inches. The foliage emerges in spring with a reddish-green color and later turns into a deep lustrous green in summer. The tree blooms in late spring and produces acorns with a unique cap-shaped style that attracts animals such as deer, squirrels, and birds.
Uses
The plant Quercus ×tottenii Melvin has significant ecological and environmental value. It is used extensively in landscaping, reforestation, and urban forestry where it provides shade, wildlife habitat, and erosion control. The tree is also valuable for its wood which is used in construction, flooring, and furniture making. Additionally, the acorns are a source of food for various animals, and the leaves are used as feed for livestock such as cattle and horses.
Light Requirements
The Quercus ×tottenii requires full sun exposure to grow. This means that the plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Without enough sunlight, the oak tree will become thin and leggy, and the leaves will lose their luster and show signs of damage.
Temperature Requirements
The Quercus ×tottenii thrives in warm temperatures and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60-70°F. Extreme temperatures above or below this range will cause stress to the oak tree. The plant needs a frost-free climate and can tolerate occasional drought stress.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is essential for the Quercus ×tottenii, as the plant needs adequate drainage to grow. It requires a fertile soil that is rich in nutrients. The best soil type for this plant is sandy loam, but it can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including clay soils. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0-7.5. A good way to increase the soil fertility is by adding organic matter such as compost and leaf mold. Proper watering is important to help the plant establish a strong root system.
Cultivation
Quercus ×tottenii Melvin, commonly known as Totten oak, is a deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It is native to the southeastern United States and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-9. To cultivate Totten oak, start by selecting a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-draining soil.
Plant the Totten oak in the soil at the same depth as it was in the nursery container, making sure to provide enough space for it to grow. Water the newly planted tree thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around it to help retain moisture.
Watering Needs
The Totten oak prefers moist but well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Water the Totten oak deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant. During periods of drought, increase watering frequency to help the plant survive.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and development, fertilize the Totten oak in the spring using a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to determine the appropriate amount and frequency of application. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning
Prune the Totten oak in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first, making clean, angled cuts just outside the branch collar. Next, prune back any crossing or rubbing branches to promote better air circulation and sunlight penetration. Finally, trim back any branches that are growing in unwanted directions or are too long and leggy. Avoid removing more than 25% of the total tree canopy in a single pruning session, as this can stress the plant.
Propagation of Quercus ×tottenii Melvin
Quercus ×tottenii Melvin or Totten oak is a hybrid of Quercus shumardii and Quercus muehlenbergii. It is native to the southern United States and is popular for its hardiness, drought tolerance, and attractive foliage. Propagation of Quercus ×tottenii Melvin can be done through several methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Totten oak can be done through seed. The seeds can be collected in the fall when they are mature, and can be planted immediately. To increase the germination rate, the seeds can be stratified at a temperature of 40°F to 50°F for approximately 30 to 35 days prior to planting. Seedlings from seed propagation typically require several years to reach transplant size.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Quercus ×tottenii Melvin can be done through several methods, including grafting and cutting. Grafting involves blending a piece of the desired cultivar onto a compatible rootstock. Cutting involves taking a cutting from an existing plant and rooting it in a suitable growth medium.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Quercus ×tottenii Melvin. This is done by selecting a low branch and removing a small section of the bark. A rooting hormone is then applied to the exposed wood, and a small amount of moist sphagnum moss is applied around the exposed area. The area is then wrapped in plastic to maintain a high level of humidity. Once roots have developed, the branch can be removed from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Quercus ×tottenii Melvin
Quercus ×tottenii Melvin, commonly known as Totten oak, is a hybrid between Quercus virginiana and Quercus shumardii. This oak species is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its overall health and appearance. Understanding the common diseases and pests that affect Totten oak and their management is essential to maintaining its health and longevity.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Totten oak is oak wilt, which is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. Oak wilt can be fatal and is characterized by wilting, leaf discoloration, and defoliation. The management of oak wilt includes removing infected trees, avoiding pruning during the growing season, and providing proper care to maintain tree health.
Another disease that affects Totten oak is bacterial leaf scorch, which is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Symptoms of bacterial leaf scorch include wilting, yellowing, and browning of the leaf margin. The management of bacterial leaf scorch includes using disease-resistant tree cultivars, controlling insect vectors, and pruning infected branches.
Common Pests
Totten oak is also vulnerable to various insect pests, including oak leaf tiers, oak webworms, and oak twig pruners. These pests can cause defoliation and weaken the tree. The management of insect pests includes adopting cultural practices to promote tree health, such as proper watering and fertilization, and using insecticides when necessary.
In addition to insect pests, Totten oak is susceptible to Gypsy moths, which are invasive pests that can quickly defoliate an entire tree. The management of Gypsy moths includes using pheromone traps, applying insecticides, and removing egg masses before they hatch.
Conclusion
Proper disease and pest management are essential for maintaining the health and longevity of Totten oak. Early detection and proper management of diseases and pests can prevent the spread of infections and minimize damage to the tree. Implementing cultural practices, using disease-resistant tree cultivars, and using insecticides when necessary can help prevent diseases and pests and maintain the overall health of Totten oak.
