Cork Oak

Quercus suber

Cork Oak

Kent Wang from London, United Kingdom

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fagaceae
Genus:
Quercus
Species:
Quercus suber

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
More than 40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
green

Native Range

United States: Hawaii, Louisiana

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Bucculatrix albertiella, California oakworm (Phryganidia californica), Cecropis moth (Automeris cecrops), Coptodisca powellella, Nemoria glaucomarginaria, oak leaf skeletonizer (Bucculatrix ainsliella), Rectiostoma fernaldella, Tischeria discreta, Mournful Duskywing (Erynnis tristis)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 7.0 (acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Mediterranean regions, often found in poor soils