Deer Oak

Quercus sadleriana

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fagaceae
Genus:
Quercus
Species:
Quercus sadleriana
USDA Symbol:
QUSA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
250 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

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

Cameraria sadlerianella, Evippe sp., Phyllonorycter basistrigella

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from root crown following fire. Associated with fire-prone montane conifer forests.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to mountainous regions; prefers open, sunny areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–60 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