Quercus suber is best known for its bark, used to produce cork. Widely used in Melbournes Parks and Gardens this is a slow growing evergreen oak that is used widely as landscaping trees across Europe as well as in Australia.
The deep fissured bark is an added attraction, the leaves have a distinctive ‘Holly shape’ and a mature specimen with its twisted branches is elegant. This is one species that does not produce many acorns, so the litter problem is much reduced, as is the possibility of self seeding.
As the trees age they develop character and mature specimens with a gnarled and twisted look make excellent large specimen trees.
Landscaping Uses
Used in parks and larger gardens and also a a street tree. Although in good conditions Quercus suber will reach 20m in height when roots are constricted as in many street plantings eventual height may be around 12m.
Excellent as an evergreen tree is required as a specimen or as a shade tree. Slow to become established this is a long lived tree, well suited to Australian conditions and regarded as reasonably drought tolerant when established.
Regarded as pollution tolerant and as a tree that improves air quality. It is interesting that this large tree is also used in bonsai, and the bark extract is used in cosmetics.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Quercus suber
- Common Name – Cork Oak
- Family – Fagaceae
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Soil – Well drained.
- Height – To around 12 – 20 metres.
- Spread – To around 15 metres
- Growth rate – Medium to Slow
- Foliage – Mid green.
- Flowers – In the form of Catkins
- Flowering time – Spring.
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – Yes once established.
Quercus suber are available for sale form the following nurseries
"Propagation and Production of Native and Exotic Trees
with Natural Root Systems from 2 to 2,000 lts."
www.njrivett.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au