Mexican white oak tree ( Quercus polymorpha ) is such an incredible tree diagram that it ’s even become a favorite of the vaunted University of Texas at Austin .
In fact , the facility service of the university advocate its landscape planners compensate exceptional attention to this “ university favorite ” when it comes to pick out species for the 434 - acre urban campus .
Never hear of Mexican white oak or its aliases , Monterrey oak and netleaf white oak ? Do n’t feel bad .
Photo by Ralph Barrera
It ’s only recently become a go - to tree diagram for gardener in the South , and its distribution — and popularity — is slowly propagate .
This species naturally ranges from Guatemala all the way north through Mexico and to one small stand discovered in sou'-west Texas in 1992 .
It is adapted to U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 7 - 10 .
Photo by Ralph Barrera
As can be attested to by any Longhorn who ’s studied for a final exam in the exceptional wraith provide by the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s grand bough , there are copious reasons to do it this species , even if you do n’t bleed burn orange .
permit ’s prevail through the top 5 reasons this burly stunner is a no - brainer for landscapes that will accommodate it .
1. Speedy Growth, Long Life
tight - growing trees tend to be “ Methedrine trees ” — plant that for any number of reasons are n’t particularly desirable to have in your landscape .
Mexican bloodless oak is an exception to that rule .
This tall gem grows to 40 feet — and it gets there quickly . With a ontogeny rate of as much as 4 infantry per year , a newly planted sapling will predominate majestically over your home well before you pay up off your mortgage .
Growth rate and ultimate height , of course , are dependent on grow conditions . fragile soil and extreme drought may limit the tree ’s power to achieve maximum peak , enounce Skip Richter , a county file name extension agent withTexas A&M Agrilife Extension Service .
The trunk can develop to be two feet in diameter , though as a sapling , the tree is lanky and gangly before it fills out , according to Richter . “ Sort of like a teenager , ” he adds .
And your teenage sapling is quite potential to ripen well into grandparenthood , as the Monterrey oak ’s average lifespan is about 100 year .
When ripe , the tree diagram has a spacious and rounded crown , andprovides excellent cooling properties for your home .
2. Almost Evergreen
The leave of absence of this oak tree are four to five inches long with smooth or serrated edge of varying degrees .
In fact , the “ polymorpha ” part of this flora ’s scientific name bear on to the fact that unlike specimen can have different leafage build .
We ’ve noticed that lilliputian seedling ’ leaves are more serrated and incline to shine out as the tree matures .
This elephantine squirrel playground holds onto its leaves until recent wintertime or former saltation when it defoliate , followed by a rapid re - leafing menstruum .
In position of a showy flush , the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s small , young leaf exhibit an attractive red - peach color before turning brilliantly unripe and then maturing into thick , mysterious unripened foliage with a leathery grain .
All in all , a Monterrey is leafless for just 2 to 8 weeks , depending on the climate in which it is planted .
In Austin , they start to re - leaf before we ’ve even finish raking up the fallen foliage .
3. Well-Adapted
While specially happy in dry environment with some rainfall , this tree is discover in a routine of variegate ecosystem , including river bank , great deal forests , and desert - corresponding expanse .
This hardy species , as many Texas nurseryman can take the stand , is passing drought - tolerant . Even in July and August — when temperatures regularly hit triple digit — we do n’t give them any auxiliary piss .
Mexican white oak prefers achromatic to alkaline stain pH , and can conform to manysoil typesincluding arenaceous loam and well - drain clay soils .
4. Resistant to Pests and Diseases
Monterrey oak is typically a very healthy tree diagram .
Many type of oak are susceptible to oak wilt – a highly contagious fungal disease that is often fatal . Members of the subgenusErythrobalanusare specially at danger of succumbing to this disease .
Thorough and conclusive research has not yet been done to determine how susceptible Mexican blanched oak tree is to this disease , according to Texas A&M professor of plant pathology and microbiology Dr. David Appel .
harmonise to Dr. Appel , oak wilting has indeed been support in these trees occasionally over the past 30 years .
However , fit in to the well - regarded specialist in tree disease biological science , epidemiology , and control , “ I am willing to assume , based on emcee biology , that Monterrey oaks are still more resistant and a better alternative than any of there d oakswhen planting in a gamey - jeopardy surface area for oak wilt disease infection . ”
The trees may also be chivy on occasion bypowdery mildew , but they are generally capable to overcome that job on their own , without human intervention .
Some Texas gardener have ascertain spring oak worm snacking on the leafage , but the damage is minimal and unremarkably does n’t expect breaking out the diatomaceous earth .
5. Minimal Care Required
Because Mexican white oaks are fast - growing , you ’ll desire to on a regular basis clip the modest arm to raise the canopy .
Other than that , these oak do n’t need muchpruning or thinning — they are n’t plagued by fifth wheel the way of life live oak Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can be .
Assuming they are planted in proper dirt and receive occasional rainwater , these dark-green giants ask no extra care .
Hooked? Here’s the Caveat
Now that we ’ve contract you fully captivated by this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and you ’re heading out the door , keys in handwriting , to repulse to the nearest garden centre , we must require you to pause .
Pat yourself on the back . You are now among the relatively few in the U.S. who have even heard of this metal money .
While hugely popular at UT and throughout Texas and a few other southern states , espousal of this tree , as with many “ new ” species , is wearisome .
Commercial gardener are trying to meet demand , but , unhappily , many garden centers do not yet deport this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
However , though you may not be able-bodied to find Monterrey oaks locally , you’re able to line up them online .
Mexican White Oak
you may discover plants in 2.25 - gallon containersavailable via Home Depot .
Or , you could always plan a road trip to Texas . We love visitors !
Another alternative is to bet for a semen - swap site . Mature trees produce bushel of 1 - column inch acorn that any Monterrey oak possessor would be thrilled to get rid of .
Sharpen Your Shovel
If this tree sounds like a dream come true , it really is . tight - growing , semi - evergreen , adaptable , disease - resistant , low maintenance … can you debate with that ?
How about tote up one of these tight - growing colossus to your landscape painting presently ?
Hook ‘ em !
photo by Gretchen Heber and Ralph Barrera , © postulate the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details .
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Gretchen Heber
