Quercus crassifolia #034.2003A

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Plant Accession Number:

034.2003A

Accepted Name:

Quercus crassifolia Bonpl.

Accession Date:

Feb 18, 2003

Garden Area:

Woodland Garden South of Stream

Recorded Heights:

Height	Date
10 Metres	Apr 19, 2008
11 Metres	Aug 15, 2009
13 Metres	Jun 1, 2011
12 Metres	Mar 2, 2012

Group:

section Lobatae (the red oaks)

Taxon Description:

A distinct, usually easily recognized, tree reaching 20 m or more in Mexico where it is widely distributed, particularly in colder localities. The rigid, leathery leaves are elliptic to obovate, often narrowed to the base and with bristle-tipped teeth above the widest part of the leaf. They emerge densely covered in velvety red hairs, becoming glossy blackish green above and covered with a thick layer of pale brown hairs beneath. In the wild, the leaves usually fall late in late winter - here they remain until early spring. Acorns ovoid to 2 cm long, ripening in the second year, borne singly or in clusters of up to four on short stalks. Introduced by George Hinton in 1939 (Hinton 6402) - a tree from the original introduction is still alive at Caerhays, Cornwall. It has reached 13 m at Kew.This very distinct oak is quite hardy here. We have two good specimens, one in the open, one in a sheltered position, The latter has a handsome habit, striking, slightly spongy bark and thick leaves. It has grown to over 11 m in about eight years and looks set to continue growing. The other tree is more conventionally shaped. Both seem established.

Categories:

• Rated as Least Concern (LC) in the IUCN Red List of Oaks
• Quercus Species

Natural Range:

• Mex

Other Plants of the same Taxon:

• 002.1995B