PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of coastal wind and intense southern sunlight
Watering
Deep, infrequent watering for young trees; drought-tolerant once mature, requiring only supplemental water during extended dry spells
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; withstands high summer heat and coastal humidity without significant stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, elliptical, leathery dark green foliage with pale, fuzzy undersides; evergreen, retained for 2–3 years
- Flower: Male catkins are drooping yellow-green spikes; female flowers are tiny reddish axillary blooms
- Bark: Thick, furrowed dark brown to gray-black bark with rough, scaly texture
Care Guide
Watering
Water young trees deeply every 7–10 days; mature trees need watering only during prolonged drought
Fertilization
Apply slow-release balanced fertilizer once in early spring. Use fertilizer with low nitrogen content to promote healthy root and canopy growth
Composted oak leaf mulch：Apply a 5–10 cm layer around the tree base, keeping mulch 10 cm away from the trunk to prevent bark rotPruning
- Prune dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges
- Remove low-hanging branches to improve clearance and access under the canopy
- Avoid heavy pruning; preserve the tree's natural spreading, rounded form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; acorns and leaves contain tannins that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities of acorns may cause gastrointestinal upset due to tannin content
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes strength, longevity, and southern heritage in the United States
Usage: Large shade tree, wildlife habitat (acorns feed birds, deer, and small mammals), and historical landmark plant
