Oak is a genus of plants that belongs to the beech family. There are two varieties: tree and shrub. Oak combines over 500 species. The tree's areola is represented by the Northern Hemisphere. The plant loves a temperate climate, therefore, in the southern part of the planet, it lives only in the tropical highlands. The leaves and fruits are highly recognizable, partially edible and beneficial to health.
Maturation cycle
Oak is a tree that belongs to an evergreen plant species. Its crown may not change for several years. Nevertheless, there are breeds in which the leaves fall off with the onset of the first frost. The inflorescences of the tree are unisexual, small. It should be noted that the crown cover during pollination is poorly developed. Strong flowers are only female, male earrings can fall off at the slightest breath of wind. It is noteworthy that oak is a tree, for pollination of which scales of two sexes are needed at once. Fruit ripening takes place in a roller, which is a small saucer. Subsequently, an acorn grows in it. Each breed and the shape of the roller is different. In some species, acorns are elongated, in others they are round and small, in others they are nutty. It is allowed to cross breeds, but this is likely to lead to a noticeable decrease in yield.
Extremely slow, but it can live for hundreds of years. The root system is formed during the first year, then it constantly develops. It is interesting that after the cut of the oak, after a while, powerful shoots sprout from the stump abundantly. Oak is a tree that is not too demanding on the soil, so the soil can be anything. Natural reproduction occurs by acorns. The height of the oak varies up to 40-45 meters. The volume of the crown depends on the breed and climate.
Description of the pedunculate oak
This type of plant is considered to be ordinary, since it is the most common in the European part of the planet. An oak grows from an acorn in just six months. Further, over the course of 20 years, its trunk, crown and roots are formed. reach a height of 50 meters. The trunk and branches are thick, powerful, able to withstand even a heavy wind. Under moderate conditions and a developed root system, pedunculate oaks can live up to 1000 years. The bark is dark brown, thick. Leaves are oblong, grow in bunches, have 3 to 7 obtuse lobes with slight teeth. Such trees bloom in late spring. Common oaks are very fond of the sun, as they are heat-resistant plants. Acorns are up to 3.5 cm long.
Features of fluffy oak
Most often, representatives of this breed are found in the Transcaucasus, in the Crimea, as well as in Asia Minor and in southern Europe. The trees reach a height of only 8-10 meters. They are distinguished by their durability and heat resistance. I must say that such oak species are significantly inferior to many other varieties in height. But they have a very winding thick trunk with spreading branches. Due to its small size and wide crown, the plant often resembles a large shrub from a distance.
The length of the leaves sometimes reaches 10 cm. They are changeable in shape, grow in pairs, the lobes are slightly pointed, dark green. Interestingly, the scales surrounding the acorn are very fluffy and soft.
Stone oak structure
The homeland of the tree is considered the Mediterranean and at the moment they are actively cultivated in North Africa and Europe. It is an evergreen plant with a height of 22-25 meters. The barrel is gray, smooth. The crown is spreading, dense. The leaves themselves are small, variable in shape, shiny, bright green in color, leathery. The fruits ripen only in the second year. The oak grows rapidly, regardless of the climate. Frosts up to -20 degrees and heat up to +40 are suitable for him. Shade-tolerant, drought-resistant. The breed is called stone due to the fact that trees mainly grow on rocks, in mountainous areas.
Distinctive features of red oak
Most often found on river banks. Does not like stagnant water in the soil. The homeland is considered to be North America, in particular Canada. Such trees reach a height of 25 meters. Outwardly, the trunk is slender and smooth. The gray bark darkens and cracks over time. The crown of the oak is tent-shaped, green with yellowish tints closer to the ground. The leaves are large, sometimes their diameter reaches 25 cm. They have pointed lobes. In autumn they turn red and fall off.
Fruits are small, spherical, size - no more than 2 cm. Ripe acorns are red, slightly brown. Ripen by the end of autumn, the first year is lean. Sustainable fertility - up to 20 years. The tree is frost-resistant, calmly withstands strong winds and bright sun.
The plant is native to the east coast of North America. Large plantings are found in forests with rich limestone soil. Easily gets along with other oak species. It is important that the area is not higher than a kilometer above sea level. White oaks do not tolerate severe frosts. The height of an adult tree is about 30 meters. The crown is powerful, tent-shaped, formed by spreading branches. The color of the bark is gray. Old trees hardly crack, unlike pedunculate trees. The leaves are oval, large (up to 22 cm), have up to 9 lobes. During blooming, they turn red, in summer they turn green, closer to winter they turn purple and fall off. The acorn is up to 2.5 cm long. Fruits are almost not covered with scales, therefore they often fall from the tree from strong gusts of wind.
Description of large-fruited oak
These trees are of the North American species. Germinate up to 30 meters high. The trunk is thick, brown in color, severely cracked after several years from the moment of germination. The tent-like shape of the crown is achieved by powerful spreading branches.
The foliage is oblong, lobed, has a dark green color, shines in the sun and after rain. In autumn, the entire crown falls off, sometimes along with thin branches. It is worth noting the diameter of the leaves - 25 cm. The acorns are large, often reaching a length of 5 cm. They are oval in shape, covered in scales by a third. A large-fruited oak grows at an average rate. The seeds are very moisture-loving and frost-resistant. Because of this, the breed is considered decorative.
Protected chestnut oak
Widely distributed in Armenia, Iran and the north of the Caucasus. Can't be cultivated. Most of the plantings are wild. In the middle of the 20th century, these trees were listed in the Red Book, so cutting them down is strictly prohibited. In the Hyrkan reserve, specially trained people are watching them. Interestingly, the chestnut oak is a mixture of several wild species that grow mainly on the ridges. Very light-loving, moderately frost-resistant, but drought-resistant.
When blooming, the tree looks like a huge chestnut, 30 meters high. The trunk is rather slender and thin, the branches are spreading. Large chestnut leaves additionally emphasize the grandeur of the tent-shaped crown. Acorns swell up to 3 cm in length.
Marsh oak (pyramidal)
The birthplace of the breed is considered to be the southern regions of Canada. The tree reaches a height of about 25 meters. The crown from a distance resembles a pyramid. It should be noted that the trunk practically merges with the leaves. The fact is that the bark of swamp oak is completely green with an admixture of brown. The leaves are medium, with deep cuts and teeth. The color of the crown is green, but by autumn it becomes purple. Fruits are spherical, sessile, about 1.5 cm in diameter. Oak seeds love water just like mature trees. For additional moisture, the root system goes deep into the ground. The habitat of the breed is a swampy area. The pyramidal oak grows quickly, dies with prolonged frosts. Large wild plantings can often be found on the shores of lakes and reservoirs.
Cultivation and reproduction
Seedlings of pedunculate and large-fruited oak are very demanding on moisture and mineral wealth of the soil. That is why they quickly emerge in river floodplains and deep forest loams. It is not recommended to sow oak seedlings in podzol soil. In such soil, the sprouts will quickly die, since the roots will not be able to gain a foothold due to the high acidity of humus. Sowing acorns is desirable in late autumn. The fruits must be fresh. If you allow the slightest drying out of acorns, then the germination rate will decrease significantly. Planting depth is from 5 to 8 cm. Before growing an oak, it is important to know that the soil must be fertilized when sowing. To protect the sprouts from pests, cover them with spruce branches. It is also important to maintain a stable soil temperature (at least +2 degrees).
Many gardeners are wondering how to grow an oak if other trees, due to circumstances, do not give acorns. For it, you can use the reproduction procedure. Green cuttings should be rooted in the first half of summer. It will not be superfluous to use special heteroauxins as fertilizer. In addition, you need to know that cuttings of young trees germinate much faster and easier than old ones (over 20 years old).
Features of pruning oak trees
Representatives of this family of trees love careful maintenance, despite the fact that they are considered to be wild. Especially the pruning procedure affects the yield. Oak is a tree with monopodial branching. Therefore, the main stem must continue to grow for the rest of the plant's life. In this case, the top cannot be limited in height. She always dominates the rest of the shoots. Pruning should be done every few years. The optimal time to remove branches is in early spring or late winter. It is important that the air temperature is not lower than -5 degrees. Otherwise, frostbite will appear at the cut sites. By summer, these branches will dry out to the ground. If there are a large number of them, then the whole tree will die. Only new shoots, growths and diseased branches should be removed.
Useful and harmful properties of oak
For medical purposes, the bark and young branches of a tree are often used, as well as acorns, less often leaves. The upper layers of the oak trunk contain a lot of resin, acids, sugar and pectin. The composition of the fruit includes such useful substances as organic oil, proteins, starch. Young leaves contain tannins, dyes and groups of pentosans. Thanks to this, effective anti-inflammatory drugs are produced from the tree and fruits.
The antispasmodic properties of oak are also well known. For example, it effectively helps with colitis, intestinal bleeding, gastritis, spleen and liver diseases. Oak tinctures increase mental and physical activity, soothe the central nervous system, and improve the permeability of the vascular system. On the other hand, preparations based on this plant are contraindicated in children and patients suffering from constipation, hemorrhoids, nausea, and stomach ulcers.
Resource usage
In most cases, oaks are used in construction and cooking, as well as in light industry. Corks and furniture are made from sawdust. The wood is ideal for surface vessels, fortifications, machinery, barrel making. Boards do not swell, burn poorly, differ in strength, hardness and density. When oak leaves bloom and acorns ripen, it is time for cooks. In North America, the fruit of the tree is often added to coffee, candy and the most sophisticated dishes. In Asia, acorns are consumed fried with spices.
The interest of gardeners in how to grow an oak from an acorn is based on the need to breed quality crops. When purchasing seedlings, one cannot be completely sure that it successfully adapts to specific climatic conditions. The use of the fruits of mature trees makes it possible to assess its variety and growth rate.
Such an original way of cultivating a culture, such as the development of an oak from an acorn, is a more laborious process, requiring more time and knowledge than using ready-made seedlings. It is a set of activities, including: preparation of planting material, picking, choosing a place for permanent placement of a tree.
Preparation of material for planting
Oak is grown only from high-quality fruits. For successful cultivation, a solid material should be preferred, free from mold and damage. Its shell should have a glossy structure, without any signs of wear. Another sign of its readiness for germination is easy removal of the hard cap. It is recommended to harvest it with a reserve in order to subsequently be able to choose the most viable shoots. Before processing it, the casing of several specimens should be opened to assess the condition and suitability for cultivation. High-quality fruits are 2 lobes of a rich yellow color, at the junction of which the embryo is located. It is necessary to abandon the use of specimens with gray flabby particles.
The choice of acorns is carried out in the fall or spring. The collected material is subjected to additional testing, which consists in dipping in water. It is necessary to pour the fruits into a container with liquid and observe the process. Individual instances will pop up. The acorns remaining at the bottom are used to form sprouts, and those that rise to the surface are considered unsuitable. At the same stage, excessively soft specimens are screened out. The selected material is washed in a soapy solution to eliminate germs and mold.
Before germinating an acorn, it is subjected to stratification - exposure to low temperatures. For this, dried acorns are placed in a container with moss or shavings that retain moisture. After that, the container is removed to a cool place for germination. It is recommended to store the fruits in a cellar with adequate humidity and ventilation. Germination of the material occurs at a temperature in the range of 0 ° C. The container is kept indoors for about 3 months, after which the prepared material is introduced into the ground in the spring.
The stratification procedure is a measure of the primary hardening of acorns, it is necessary for the emergence of seedlings and better adaptation to natural conditions. It is necessary to periodically check the condition of the store, avoiding excessive moisture or dryness. In the first case, the seedlings undergo rotting, in the second - the loss of germination. Disruption of normal air circulation contributes to the multiplication of bacteria and the development of diseases that are detrimental to hatching fruits.
Planting material into the ground
To breed oak from an acorn, 2 methods are used: the immediate introduction of prepared fruits into open ground and the development of a seedling from it, followed by placement in the garden. In the first case, the procedure is most often carried out in the spring, due to the better adaptation of the material in the soil. Whereas the probability of its successful development in the fall does not exceed 10% of the total number of all plantings. To grow an oak from an acorn at home, they most often resort to the first method. Despite its meticulousness, with its help a seedling, and subsequently a strong tree, develops from a small fruit in most cases.
For seed application, both common flower containers and separate cups are used. In the first case, it is easiest to transfer the soil closer to warmth and light. The advantage of the second method is that there is no need for a mandatory pick. It is only necessary to make holes at the bottom to ensure the outflow of liquid, to prevent acorns from rotting.
For planting seeds, both store-bought formulations and self-prepared mixtures are used. An indispensable condition is high soil fertility. To obtain a home composition, garden soil is combined with humus and leafy substrate. To plant an oak, use loose soil, free from sand or clay impurities. It is recommended to use the soil from under healthy oak trees growing in parks and forests.
A distinctive feature of planting acorns from seeds of other crops is the method of application to the soil. The fruits should not be set vertically, they are placed on the barrel with slight pressure. It is recommended to use the method of planting oak trees in cups. This measure is due to the intensive development of the root system, the powerful lashes of which are firmly intertwined with nearby specimens, which will complicate further picking.
After applying to the soil, the oak seeds are watered. For the successful adaptation of the material, it is important to constantly maintain a high moisture content of the substrate, but not to allow it to overflow. It is necessary to place containers in a well-sunlit area, free from drafts. Emerging green shoots should be provided with diffused lighting, and in the hottest hours, completely removed in the shade.
Subsequent development of the seedling
After 1.5-2 months after the introduction of acorns into the ground, you can observe the first shoots, from which leaves will later develop. If, for the formation of seedlings, not separate cups, but common containers were used, as the shoots develop, a pick of the seedlings should be carried out. The procedure is carried out for developed stems with a height of at least 15 cm.Before planting a seedling, the following characteristics of its readiness for the procedure should be assessed:
- developed root system, consisting of healthy light branches;
- strong stem;
- exceeding the size of the sprout over the volume of the container.
The hardened seedlings are transferred to large pots for better root development and the formation of the trunk of the future tree. Some gardeners recommend, they say, immediately plant the shoots in open ground, skipping the intermediate stage of transfer to a large pot. But this method is fraught with risk and can lead to premature death of the plant. It is recommended to gradually adapt it to the conditions of the natural environment, periodically taking it out into the open air.
This measure is aimed at hardening the future tree. Without it, even the strongest seedling will not be able to successfully adapt and grow into a tree. This procedure is carried out only in the warm season, avoiding placing the container in a draft. After 2 years after the introduction of acorns into the soil, the formed trunk can be planted in open ground.
Planting a seedling in the garden
It must be remembered that the crown of an oak tree can reach a width of over 20 m, and therefore it should not be placed in front of the site, so that it does not obstruct the house. For the same reason, it is necessary to properly prepare the planting holes so that the seedlings can firmly take root in the soil. The oaks should be planted in recesses of small diameter but considerable depth. For better placement of the roots, it is recommended to prepare pits in the shape of a cone or triangle.
For the successful cultivation of oak, it is important to choose the right place for its permanent placement. The process is carried out on the basis of the following rules:
- remoteness from water pipes and buildings, during the repair of which it is possible to easily damage the branchy root system of a tree;
- remoteness from other green spaces, which is due to the high demand of the crop for moisture;
- cultivation in areas abundantly watered by the sun;
- if you want to protect or fill the house with light, place the tree on the east or west side.
Only those seedlings that are fully germinated and strengthened are subject to moving from a room to an open area. To do this, the bottom of the pit is dotted with a thick layer of drainage, on which a composition of wood ash, fluff lime, a small amount of potassium and compost is placed in combination with garden soil. It is important that the part of the trunk flowing from the root is 3-4 cm above the soil. After falling asleep, the soil should be additionally tamped to better fix the young oak tree.
During the first days after planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly. A standard method of soil moistening can be used, but experienced gardeners recommend using drip irrigation, which consists of placing a system of hoses and dispensers around the pit. So the acorns of the oak are completely irrigated without the accumulation of liquid in the pit, which can provoke root rot. It is important to remove weeds and loosen the soil in a timely manner. Before the onset of cold weather, you need to prune the tree, cutting off dry non-viable shoots. As it adapts and takes root, the oak will no longer need to carry out these manipulations, requiring only watering on dry days.
Oaks grown from an acorn at home are planted in early spring. This measure is due to the need for successful adaptation, better strengthening of the roots in the new soil before the formation of leaves. For the same purpose, additional measures should be taken to protect seedlings from pests. It is recommended to treat the young tree with pesticides to prevent damage to the shoots by aphids. Fencing off young oak trees to keep out rabbits and other leaf-eating pets. For several years after planting, mulch or wrap the trunk with dense material to protect it from freezing.
Growing a tree from an acorn is a laborious process with several steps. The basis of crop cultivation using this method is the correct selection and preparation of planting material. After that, it is necessary to form full-fledged seedlings, which are brought into open ground.
Video - How to grow an oak from an acorn
- What to grow a tree from
- Preparing an acorn
- Germination
- Soil for oak
- Oak transplant
- How to determine the readiness of seedlings to change the place
- Finding a suitable place
- How to plant correctly
- Oak care
A mature oak is a tall, stately tree with dense foliage and a solid trunk. It is not for nothing that it has been a symbol of power, strength and knowledge since ancient times, as narrated by folk tales and works of the classic A.S. Pushkin.
In the modern world, oaks are planted in park and roadside areas, in a summer cottage and even at home in a pot, decorative bonsai are grown in a special way.
Growing oak in conditions close to home, and its subsequent transplantation to a summer cottage or a nearby territory will allow you to acquire your own tree of strength and wisdom, which will delight the eye of more than one generation of observers.
What to grow a tree from
You can get a healthy and strong plant from any planting material - an acorn or a cutting. In the first case, it will take more time; a tall oak will grow from a finished shoot 2-4 years earlier. The stalk must be prepared, the roots germinate. However, there is no guarantee that such a seedling will take root. It is easier to grow an oak from an acorn, therefore this method is preferred. The growth rate in the first 2-3 years is much higher than in subsequent years, so the process of observing the development will become an exciting activity for young family members and amateur growers.
Preparing an acorn
It is possible to grow an oak from an acorn quickly if the preparation of the planting material is carried out correctly.
Fruits are harvested in the fall, when the tree throws off the leaf and the acorns are fully ripe. In search of material, they go to the deciduous forest. In Russia, the most common oak is found, its other names are ordinary, summer or English. The plant is characterized by frequent branches, medium-sized leaves with rounded edges, brown-gray thick bark. The height of an adult is up to 40 meters.
There are 2 types of common oak: winter and summer... In summer, the leaves bloom in late spring in May-June, by autumn they almost do not change color and fall off until October. In winter, these processes occur 2-4 weeks later, the leaves acquire a dark brown color by October and can remain on the branches until the next flowering.
Fallen oak fruits are suitable for germination. It is necessary to listen to the acorn - to shake it and determine whether the core is alive in it (it should not blur). From the collection site, you need to take a little fallen native foliage and the topsoil. They are necessary for the preservation of the material until the moment of disembarkation.
Houses once again check the suitability of the material: cold water is poured into a basin and the fees are lowered there. The specimens that floated up quickly to the surface are empty, nothing will grow out of them. Re-check is carried out after 5 minutes: those that have not surfaced are good raw materials for planting.
The most natural and favorable planting of a tree in the spring, for wintering the fruits are sent to hibernation in conditions close to natural:
- Take a jar with a lid, in which there should be holes for ventilation;
- The collected soil is placed in it mixed with foliage;
- An acorn is placed in a "fur coat";
- Close the jar with a lid and put it in a cellar or refrigerator, where the temperature is not lower than + 2-3 0 C.
Such "conservation" imitates wintering under a snow crust and the seed is preserved in its original form.
Germination
Before planting the overwintered fruit in the ground, it is necessary to germinate the roots... For this, the closed "nuts" are placed in a humid environment, for example, in a bag with wet sphagnum, and left in the refrigerator for 90-120 days. How long it takes to pierce the roots depends on the type of tree.
When confident roots appear, the future seedling must be protected from mechanical damage.
If it was not possible to stock up on raw materials in the fall, you can find an already germinated acorn immediately after the snow melts, when the sprout has not yet entered the soil. You need to quickly pack it in a humid environment. It is impossible to keep the seedling outdoors for a long time - the roots require constant moisture and care.
Soil for oak
Oak is unpretentious to the soils of the middle lane, but loves fertile soil rich in nutrients. So that the sprout that has broken through does not die out, it is planted in moist soil taken from the place of growth of the mother oak. If there is none, you can take soil from a country house or a fertile garden plot, add peat moss or vermiculite to it to retain water.
The pot should have drainage holes to remove excess moisture... The sprouted material is planted to a depth of 3-5 cm. For the first time, before the seedlings grow, you can use small plastic cups, which are conveniently placed in the apartment on the windowsill. Landings are covered with a damp cotton swab or rag, creating the effect of a greenhouse with glass or foil with ventilation holes. The first year and up to 10 years, the growth rate of seedlings can reach 25-35 cm, then the process slows down.
As the plants grow, they need to be transplanted into larger containers with soil replacement.
Oak transplant
When the seedlings have matured, it is time to transplant them into the ground in an open area.
How to determine the readiness of seedlings to change location:
- The plant has reached a height of 15 cm or more, it is more than 100% taller than the pot;
- The root system is formed, the central core is clearly identified, it has a healthy white color;
- The plant has already put out leaves.
Finding a suitable place
Oak can only be replanted without damage at an early age. When a tree sits in one place for a long time, its root system grows and deepens, the plant takes its place thoroughly. This fact must be taken into account before transplanting. There should be enough free space on the site, you should not put new houses and structures near the oak - the root system in the future is capable of violating the integrity of the foundation.
The oak cannot stand a dark place - you cannot plant it in the shade or under other mature trees, it will take root for a long time, the growth rate drops significantly, you will not have to wait for a powerful stately representative of the Bukovy family.
Where to plant an oak tree in the country:
- The place must be open;
- The light-loving oak should be identified in the west - south of the site;
- In the future, a grown tree with a rich crown will itself become a source of a dark place, therefore, it is not worth placing a seedling in places where it is inappropriate;
- There should be no communications and paths near the place that can be damaged by roots.
How to plant correctly
Algorithm of actions for a successful transplant:
- The site is cleared of tall grass. How much space is needed for a seedling depends on the desired result - for a powerful tree, a free diameter of 15 - 20 m is required.
- A platform with a diameter of 1.5 meters is dug up, achieving the uniformity of the soil and its loosening for enrichment with oxygen.
- Dig a hole several centimeters deep more than the length of the roots, moisten it.
- A seedling is taken out of the pot along with the soil and transferred to the prepared hole, sprinkled with earth, and compacted.
- Water the planting abundantly. Do not be afraid to flood the roots - excess moisture will go deep into the soil.
- At a distance of 30 cm from the trunk, mulch is poured in a circle - it will protect the soil from drying out and the spread of unnecessary weeds.
The same action plan should be followed if you want to make a home oak. In this case, the container must have a volume of at least 100 liters. Of course, no matter how much you take care of, the potted plant will not become so large and powerful, but it will delight the eye with greenery for a longer time.
Oak care
Like any plant, a young oak tree requires care and attention. At first, in an open space, "new settlers" may feel uncomfortable - a new place, soil, lighting. It is important to constantly monitor their condition.
Young shoots are attractive to birds and rodents. To prevent uninvited guests from spoiling the plant, they arrange protection - a small frequent fence around the planting. To avoid the attack of insects, the foliage is treated with pesticides.
Any kind of young oak requires high light and constant moisture. To avoid competition on the site, the area around must be cleared of foreign plants and fast-growing trees.
At first, the oak tree requires constant watering.
You need to take care of the plant until it gets stronger, on average, up to 4-5 years... Upon reaching this time, a young tree up to 1.5 meters high will already flaunt at the dacha.
How to grow an oak is now clear, there is nothing difficult about it, it is enough to be patient for several years.
Already after 30-40 years, a lonely oak begins to bear fruit - once every 6-8 years, acorns ripen on the branches, from which new seedlings can appear.
For the Slavic peoples, the oak has long been considered a symbol of masculine strength and the personification of the power of the people. Therefore, in the old days it was customary to reward royal persons or simply distinguished people not only with gifts, but also with a wreath of oak branches.
Where and how the oak grows.
Nowadays, there are more than 450 different types of this tree... Now oak is widespread not only in Europe and Asia, but also in America and even Africa. This is one of the tallest trees, often reaching a height of 50 m and the most amazing thing is that it is up to 5 m in girth. There are many trees of this height in the world, but apart from oak it can only boast of such power.
What else is the oak famous for?
Oak is especially prized for its beautiful and very durable wood, from which especially expensive, elite furniture is made. It multiplies by fruits called acorns. The oak fruit ripens, like the fruits of others - in the fall. They are rich in starch. Sometimes they are used to prepare a surrogate drink that tastes like coffee, and in ancient times, and more recently, during the Second World War and during a famine from them made bread
.
Their oak leaves in antiquity cooked medicinal broth, which relieved of gum disease, healed puncture and cut wounds, helped to stop external and internal bleeding.
Quercus) Is a genus of shrubs and trees from the beech family. The oak is widely renowned for its strength and strength, the height of the oak can be 50 meters. These trees grow rather slowly, adding every year, first centimeters in height, and only then - in width.
How long does an oak live?
The oak tree is considered to be long-lived, often associated with wisdom and durability. And for good reason. The life span of the oak is up to 5 centuries, although in history there are specimens that live for more than 1000 years.
Description of the oak. What does an oak look like?
Oak is a deciduous tree. The dimensions of the oak are impressive. Its average height is about 35 meters, although sometimes there are 60 meter giants. The thickness of the oak can also be quite impressive. The trunk of an oak tree is on average about 1.5 m in diameter, covered with dark bark, dotted with cracks, twisting and wrinkled.
The shape of the leaf of the tree depends on the type of oak. Oak leaves can be lobed, serrated, pinnate and others. Oak branches are not straight, curved. This tortuosity is due to the fact that the oak tree is very responsive to the sun's rays. When growing, shoots stretch towards the light and therefore change direction depending on the season, weather and time of day.
The oak root system is very well developed. Usually the roots of an oak tree are huge and go deep into the ground. The crown of an oak tree and its shape largely depends on the conditions in which the trees grow. In the forests, mainly oak trunks are straight and even, while separately growing plants on the plains are very widespread. The girth of such oak trees is measured in meters. If the tree has grown in extreme conditions, for example, with a lack of moisture or under frequent exposure to wind, then the crowns of such oak trees are deformed and not quite clear and correct in shape.
Oak flowers
The oak blooms in late spring. Oak flowers are small and green, invisible among the foliage. Male flowers consist only of stamens, female ones - of a pistil. Male flowers are collected in inflorescences, similar to earrings. Females are on short stalks, they look like green seeds with a red top. It is from the female oak flowers that acorns grow.
Types of oak
A large number of oak species grow all over the world. There are about 600 of them in total, although there is evidence that there are no more than 450 of them.
The most popular types of oak trees:
- English oak;
- Weeping oak;
- Swamp oak;
- Rock oak;
- Georgian oak;
- Long-legged oak;
- Mongolian oak;
- Chestnut oak.
Where does the oak grow?
Most often, oak is found in regions with a temperate climate, in the Northern Hemisphere. Although some species of these giants are found in the tropics, however, only in those places where the air temperature is not very high, mainly in high mountain regions.
Oaks grow well on rich soils, they love an average level of moisture, but species are known that exist well in swamps, or, conversely, in conditions of a lack of moisture.
How to grow an oak from an acorn
Oaks bear fruit as early as 30 years after planting. The fruits of the oak are acorns. Ornamental types of oaks reproduce quite easily by grafting. The best option for planting oak is in the fall, before the first snow and frost. However, during this period, oak acorns can be eaten by small rodents, so they are often kept until spring and planted with the onset of warm days. For planting, you must definitely choose live oak seeds, which consist of yellow cotyledons with a yellow or reddish embryo inside.
How to plant an oak tree?
An option for planting an oak tree is also to collect sprouting acorns in a park or forest in early spring, immediately after the snow melts. Such seeds with sprouts can be immediately planted in the ground, taking care that fragile and not yet strong sprouts do not dry out or break off. Oak seedlings must be protected from weeds and do not forget to water in case of drought.
The healing properties of oak
The use of oak is quite wide. The fruits of oak, bark and branches of oak are often used for medicinal purposes. In addition, oak wood, luxurious in texture, is very much appreciated.
Oak bark - medicinal properties
The bark of oak, which has been found in medicine, is very useful. Oak bark is used to relieve inflammation, it is an effective wound healing and astringent agent. A decoction of oak bark treats stomach diseases, allergies, diseases of the skin, throat, mucous membranes, and is good for the gums. Oak acorns also have beneficial properties, they help with diarrhea, stomach bleeding, hernia treatment, burns, skin problems.
Oak bark is harvested in spring for medicinal use. Raw materials from young branches and trunks are most valued. After harvesting, the bark must be dried, but not for long - 2-4 days. For long-term storage, this process must be increased until the bark reaches fragility.