Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fagaceae

Genus:

Quercus

Species:

Quercus pumila

USDA Symbol:

QUPU80

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

400 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Fall Color:

red, orange

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Tolerates fire; resprouts from root crown after low-intensity burns in its native pine savanna habitat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to sandy coastal plains and scrublands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in fall or after stratification.