Cork Oak (Quercus suber)

Cork Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus suber L.
Family: Fagaceae
Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 5-7,8-16,18-23
USDA: 8-10

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Mediterranean region
Growth Habits: Evergreen tree, 40 to 65 feet tall and wide (12-20 m); very characteristic thick light colored bark; dark green ovate leaves, 1 to 4 inches long (2.5-10 cm), 0.5 to 2.5 inches wide (1.2-6.5 cm), with white pubescent underside, 5 to 7 veins
Watering Needs: Moderate water, prefers acid soils
Propagation: Fresh seeds, don't let the acorns dry out If the acorns are not fresh, they need to be stratified for at least a month, named varieties are grafted.

Cork Oaks for cork production are grown mainly in Portugal, but also in Spain, Algeria, and somewhat in France. The production starts when the tree is 40 to 50 years. Only the outer, dead corky bark is removed. It is possible to cut off cork from a tree about every 10 years

Fruiting Habits:
The acorns of Quercus suber are 0.8 to 1.8 inches long (2-4.5 cm), with a cup that covers 1/3 to 1/2 of the nut, singly or in clusters of up to 5 acorns. They ripen the first year

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