Chihuahuan Oak

Quercus chihuahuensis

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fagaceae
Genus:
Quercus
Species:
Quercus chihuahuensis
USDA Symbol:
QUCH4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
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

Oslar's eacles (Eacles oslari)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Fall Color:
yellow, brown
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire. Thick bark provides some fire resistance on mature trees.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Acorns should be planted fresh in fall or cold stratified. Remove cap before planting.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

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