Young Cork Oak Tree | Quercus suber

Cork Oak

The Quercus suber, also known as the Cork Oak, is, as the name suggests, an oak tree. This tree is known for its distinctive bark, which is harvested to produce cork.

Total height

The young Cork Oak, Quercus suber, is native to the Mediterranean region, where it can reach a height of up to 15 meters.

Bark and Cork

In its early years, the bark is relatively smooth, but over time, it becomes rougher and thicker, forming cork plates on the tree. The cork bark cannot be harvested in its early years but only from a trunk diameter of approximately +-50 cm and then every 7 years. This bark is used, among other things, to make the cork for a wine bottle.

Leaf color and shape

The leaf of the Quercus suber is dark green and somewhat felty and gray on the underside. In mild frost, the Cork Oak retains its green leaves even in winter. If not the case, the leaves may turn brown and fall off, only to sprout green again in spring.

Acorns

This cultivar produces long acorns in its later years, which hang singly or in pairs from the tree.

How to plant the tree?

1. Determine the final location of the tree and ensure it is free from cables, debris, old plants, and other obstacles that may hinder the tree's growth.
2. Dig a planting hole that is twice the width of the root ball. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the planting hole and mix the excavated soil with (organic) garden soil or planting substrate.
3. Adjust the planting hole to the height where the root ball fits and firmly press the soil.
4. Fill the planting hole with water and wait for it to settle. Check if the root ball is sufficiently moist.
5. Place the tree or plant in the planting hole. It is extremely important that the tree is not planted too deep, as this can cause root rot.
6. Insert a tree stake or bamboo stake firmly into the ground on the side of the tree where the most wind comes from.
7. Now, place the watering ring or create a mound of soil around the tree so that water can seep into the ground.

Why Choose a Young Tree from Amitis

• Easy to plant yourself due to the compact size and light weight
• Conveniently delivered to your home in a sturdy packaging
• Experience the growth and development of your own tree
• Easy to maintain
• Cultivate the size and growth form you are looking for
• Attain mature size within a short time
• Can be planted year-round as everything is delivered in pots
• No root loss and better chances of establishment as everything is pot-grown
• Cost-effective purchase
• Fresh, healthy plants directly from the grower

Questions?

Want to know more about pruning? Read our page on tree maintenance! Feel free to contact us; we are happy to assist!