Photography by Britt Willoughby Dyer for Gardenista, except where noted.
Oak (Quercus): “The Lion Heart”
The oak is a leader of trees, a symbol of strength and endurance, and a generous host.
There are hundreds of types of oak. English oak (shown here) generally falls into the Quercus robur category, while in the States different types of oak characterize specific regions.
Acorns do not usually appear for at least 40 years into the life of an oak.
Photograph by Marie Brenner.
For more of this garden, see A Texas Garden Where the Rare and the Endangered Flourish.
For more of this garden, see A Texas Garden Where the Rare and the Endangered Flourish.
Photograph by Marie Brenner.
• If you happen to have an oak in the garden, accept its dominance and make it the focal point. • Evergreen oaks can make good windbreaks around the periphery of a propery, while blending into a native woodland.
Cheat Sheet
• There are oaks to suit different situations, whether your soil is acid or alkaline.
Keep it Alive
The relationship between oaks and the parasite world is symbiotic and non-life threatening.
Photograph by Jim Powell for Gardenista.
Holm oak was a favorite of British 18th-century landscaper Capability Brown. Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for oak treea with our Oak Treea: A Field Guide.