Monday, June 24, 2013

Plant ABCs: Q is for Quercus fusiformis

Plant ABCs is an ongoing series in which I am highlighting a plant from my garden for each letter of the alphabet.  I'm currently going through the entire alphabet A - Z, then will continue updating and adding plants to the list over time.  My previous posts in the series are on the "Plant ABCs" tab under the header.

The first choice for the letter "Q" in the garden would have to be Quercus (oak) because the resident live oaks make such an important difference that I can't imagine the garden without them.



The botanical name Quercus fusiformis is so descriptive.  They are like living sculpture with their quirky forms.  The curvy, twisty structure results from tough growing conditions--a combination of rocky limestone soil and hot, dry weather much of the year, plus a battle for sunshine since these trees grow in groups.

These curving oaks create a beautiful view over the fence into the back yard.


Live oaks grow in groups called a motte.  The motte consists of several trunks with interconnected roots. The roots grow near the surface and pop up sprouts all over the yard.  It's not a problem for lawns which are mowed regularly, but for those of us who don't have lawns it can be viewed as a problem to be dealt with.  Or it can simply be treated as a ground cover and left alone.  They can be cut back which is a pain or disguised as I am attempting to do here with bronze asiatic jasmine.  All those plants in the background are oak sprouts.  The oak sprouts have been cut back from the front where the asiatic jasmine is planted.  This is a test area to see if I like it, and the bronze color seems to work well with the color of the sprouts.


Live oaks retain their leaves through winter dormancy and drop them in the spring as new leaves emerge.  The first clatter of leaves falling to the ground on the breeze is an important sign of spring.

We have the architect's plans for our house and it's nice to note that not only were the trees preserved but the house was designed around them.  An L-shape configuration and the set back front entry allowed the existing motte to remain undisturbed.


This striking oak by the garage was established as a starting point for the south side of the house.  In fact, the plans state "Existing tree, do not harm in any way".  This tree isn't visible from inside the house but is always a beautiful sight when returning home, even if I've only been to the grocery store.


The house is 32 feet tall so this tree is probably stands about 40 feet.


It also shades the south side of the house from our relentless south Texas summer sun.


There is one large oak motte just outside the back door.  The architect centered the breakfast room windows on the trees.  It's so nice to see this view out the windows from the kitchen every day.  I have always found it mesmerizing and will never tire of it.  We had the existing solid door replaced with full glass so I could enjoy the view from several vantage points.


The plans for the front walk state that the existing trees are to remain and the walk should curve around them.


Here's another view of the walk showing the curve through the trees.


The photo above is also the inspiring view from my desk and just one of the reasons I couldn't imagine my garden without Quercus fusiformis.

Click here to go to a list of my previous Plant ABCs posts.

16 comments:

  1. Live oaks are indeed wonderful for someone living in a climate like San Antonio, they add so much to your house and comfort. Oaks are not that essential in the PNW where I live, my trees are dominated by Western Red Cedar. I did plant a couple of oaks in my woods area for medicinal uses, but they are still relatively small. I have read though that oak pollen is prickly and can cause allergies. is that a factor for you?

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    1. The oak pollen drops in the form of strands and creates mess on the ground along with the leaves. If you brush against it can stick to you but I have not noticed it being prickly. While it does bother my allergies it is less of a problem than some other things like mold which is the worst for me.

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  2. Beautiful trees and I've always loved seeing them in my travels. Thanks for teaching me a bit more, and how I loved seeing they were called out on the contruction plans for your home!

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    1. Oaks are prized in San Antonio and my neighborhood is especially well known for them so I've always thought it was good to know that they were planned for.

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  3. I think the prickles would be microscopic so they would irritate tissues. I had allergy problems in San Diego, probably to sagebrush or something in the canyons, but up here have none, but my daughter has bad allergies to something that blooms in spring, maybe grasses. I'm glad the oak pollen doesn't bother you.

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    1. Oh yes, they probably are prickly since many people are allergic to oak pollen. Mold is the worst for me so I would have a tough time in PNW I think.

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  4. Shirley I have noticed the oaks in a few of your posts and was so taken with those curvy limbs and trunks. I don't remember any oaks here growing like that...they are indeed a very special plant in your garden and so many critters love oaks!!

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    1. The soil and climate make them especially sculptural in this area. In other parts of the hill country the oaks twist so the bark spirals up the trunk.

      The hummingbirds especially like the security of a large oak tree.

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  5. I often see mention of live oaks in literature, but never had a mental image of them. Now I do. Love the (unusual) sensitivity of those who drew up the plans for your house.

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    1. That's the purpose of the series, to list the plants in my yard along with info for readers to learn a little bit too. So nice to hear it is working.

      Most of the homes in this part of town were designed with the trees in mind to some extent which makes it a nice place to live.

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  6. A noble species to talk about, I must say! Your house goes from "nice" to "incredible" with those Q. fusiformis stands. Glad someone built around them...also glad more Texans are sophisticated enough to appreciate that form, since most of the public out here will say "those oaks look too crooked", or they shape them into 10' balls on the trunks.

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    1. I think the crooked forms add a lot to the scene. You have shown the lollipop oaks on your blog and I can't imagine why someone would do such a thing to an oak tree.

      Yaupons yes, but oaks...I don't get it.

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  7. Such beautiful and graceful trees! I loved seeing more of them and how they fit into your garden. Also, I'd not noticed before but the stone siding and metal roof on your house are too wonderful and, I imagine, low maintenance, for words.

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    1. The exterior is definitely as low maintenance as it is beautiful. It's an important factor is how we enjoy our life here.

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  8. Shirley, I'm Nadezda and here over Keity.
    Beautiful blog! I love the oaks and the view from the kitchen window might be pretty. I envy you to see the oak trunks with curved branches every day.
    Nice photos!

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    1. Thank you for visiting, it's so exciting to know you found me through Keity's link.

      I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the oaks.

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