Dwarf live oak (Quercus minima)

Dwarf live oak

It commonly forms extensive cloned colonies with many stems, many of them unbranched. Leaves are alternate, up to 12 cm long, and toothless or with irregular teeth or lobes. Lobes, when present, are usually spine-tipped. Leaves are retained through the winter, dropping just before or as new growth resumes in late winter or early spring.

Scientific classification

Species

Dwarf live oak (Quercus minima)

Beeches, walnuts, and allied trees

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Images of Dwarf live oak

Quickly Identify Dwarf live oak

Persistent leaves with waxy undersides, light green and toothless, 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) long.

Yellow-green male catkins up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, fragrant, cylindrical arrangement.

Pale brown acorn with textured cup encasing half, ovoid shape, 2/3 inch (1.7 cm) long.

Light gray stem with smooth texture, slender twigs, sparse branching, small roundish buds.

Simple, smooth bark in muted brown and gray hues, lacks furrows or ridges, thin texture.

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Care Guide for Dwarf live oak

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Dwarf live oak thrives in well-drained sandy soils, showcasing drought tolerance with a watering schedule of once every 2-3 weeks. Its deep root system enables moisture access in arid conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and predominantly grown outdoors.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of dwarf live oak, apply a balanced nutrition fertilizer in spring and consider a high-nitrogen formula early on. Fertilize biannually, adjusting based on soil tests and growth seasons, while ensuring even distribution around the drip line and thorough watering after application.

Pruning: Dwarf live oak is a resilient, low-growing oak requiring early spring pruning before new growth. Focus on removing dead branches and thinning crowded areas for air circulation. Use sanitized tools, prune above buds for healing, and shape to maintain natural form, encouraging healthy growth.

Propagation: Dwarf live oak propagates through sowing acorns collected in good condition. Direct sowing in well-draining soil aids root establishment. Pre-treat seeds by soaking or stratifying to break dormancy. Plant them at a shallow depth in sunny locations, keeping the soil consistently moist for optimal germination.

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