Mapleleaf Oak
Quercus acerifolia
- Native to:
- United States
University of South Carolina, A. C. Moore Herbarium Vascular Plant Collection (USCH-)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fagaceae
- Genus:
- Quercus
- Species:
- Quercus acerifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- QUAC2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia), Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americana), Horace's Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, mammals
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides some fire resistance; benefits from periodic fire to reduce competition.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky outcrops in Arkansas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 30-60 days.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 90 days.
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)