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Quercus suber Cork oak Evergreen tree (1 Page of 5) The Quercus suber plant species is found in S. Europe to N. Africa. It is a member of the Fagaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Cork oak. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Quercus suber Common Name: Cork oak Family: Fagaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 20 Mature Width: 15 Habitat: Siliceous hills on the littoral[89].
Cultivation Notes: Prefers a good deep fertile loam which can be on the stiff side[11]. Lime tolerant[188]. Young plants tolerate reasonable levels of side shade[200]. Tolerates moderate exposure, surviving well but being somewhat stunted[200].
Cultivated for its bark in Europe, it is the main source of cork[50, 89]. Trees are first harvested when they are 25 - 30 years old and are then harvested on a 10 - 12 year rotation.
Only hardy in the milder areas of Britain[200], it is not very frost resistant[98]. Trees grow well in Cornwall where there are many large specimens[11, 49, 59]. Trees grow quite well at Kew[K].
Transplants badly unless it is moved regularly, it should only be moved in September or as growth commences in late spring[11].
Does not fruit well in Britain.
Most of the trees grown in Britain as Q. suber are in fact Q. suber occidentalis[11].
Hybridizes freely with other members of the genus[200].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[88, 200].
For further Quercus suber gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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