Quercus faginea - Lusitanian oak, Portuguese oak (Forestry oak)

Genus of about 600 species of monoecious, semi-deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs, widely distributed in woodlands and scrub of the Northern Hemisphere. Quercus faginea is an evergreen tree up to 15-18 m tall, widespread in Spain and North Africa. It has a low, open foliage with thick brownish gray bark, reminiscent of that of the cork tree. Leathery, shiny, light green leaves with more or less thorny margins similar to those of q. Coccifera. The acorns, ovoid in shape, are dark brown topped with small gray domes.

Pedoclimatic needs

It adapts to all types of soil, preferring deep and well-drained ones. This species is heliophilous and should be planted in full sun. Very drought resistant, it is ideal for waterless gardens. Thermophilic species that cannot tolerate intense and prolonged cold, withstanding only short frosts down to -8°/-10°c. Ideal for creating free hedges or as an isolated tree. Also widely used to create magnificent bonsai.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Quercus faginea

Family: Fagaceae