Quercus

Quercus - New Zealand’s Best Oak Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Oak trees, and we have the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Quercus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Oak trees

1. What is the English name for Quercus?

The most common English name for the genus Quercus is simply "oak". However, there are many different species of oak trees, each with its own common name. Some of the most common oak trees in the English-speaking world include:

• English oak (Quercus robur): This is the most common oak tree in Europe, and it is also widely cultivated in North America. It is a large, long-lived tree with a distinctive broad crown and deeply lobed leaves.
• White oak (Quercus alba): This is a common oak tree in North America. It is a large, long-lived tree with light-colored bark and white, blocky acorns.
• Red oak (Quercus rubra): This is another common oak tree in North America. It is a large, fast-growing tree with dark-colored bark and red, pointed acorns.
• Live oak (Quercus virginiana): This is an evergreen oak tree that is common in the southeastern United States. It is a medium-sized tree with small, leathery leaves and acorns that have long, thin stalks.
• Cork oak (Quercus suber): This is an evergreen oak tree that is native to southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. It is the source of cork, which is used to make bottle stoppers and other products.

2. Can you still buy English oak?

Yes, you can still buy English oak trees. They are widely available from nurseries and online retailers. The price of an English oak tree will vary depending on the size and quality of the tree. You can expect to pay anywhere from \\$50 to \\$500 for an English oak tree.

English oak trees are native to Europe, but they have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and Australia. They are a popular choice for landscaping because they are long-lived, hardy, and attractive trees. English oak trees can grow up to 100 feet tall and live for hundreds of years.

3. Which oak is most valuable?

The most valuable oak species is generally considered to be white oak (Quercus alba). White oak is prized for its strong, hard wood, which is used in a variety of applications, including furniture, flooring, barrels, and construction. The wood is also naturally rot-resistant and can withstand weathering, making it a valuable material for outdoor applications.

Here are some of the reasons why white oak is so valuable:

• Strength and durability: White oak is one of the strongest and most durable hardwoods available. It is resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation, making it a long-lasting material.
• Appearance: White oak has a beautiful light to dark brown color with a tight, even grain. It is also prized for its distinctive wavy grain pattern, which adds to its beauty.
• Versatility: White oak is a versatile wood that can be used for a variety of applications. It is commonly used for furniture, flooring, barrels, construction, and boatbuilding.

Due to its high demand and valuable properties, white oak is one of the most expensive hardwoods on the market. The price of white oak lumber can vary depending on the quality and size of the lumber, but it is typically several times more expensive than other types of oak lumber.

Other valuable oak species include:

• Live oak (Quercus virginiana): Live oak is a valuable wood source for furniture, flooring, and veneer. It is also known for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii): Chinquapin oak is a valuable wood source for barrels, furniture, and veneer. It is also known for its acorns, which are used to make acorn flour.
• Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa): Bur oak is a valuable wood source for veneer, flooring, and barrels. It is also known for its distinctive burls, which are prized by woodworkers.

The value of oak lumber can also vary depending on the region where the tree is grown. For example, oak from Europe is often considered to be more valuable than oak from North America due to its slower growth rate and finer grain.

4. What is the easiest oak to grow?

The easiest oak to grow is the English oak (Quercus robur). It is a large, long-lived tree with a distinctive broad crown and deeply lobed leaves. It is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and Australia. It is a popular choice for landscaping because it is long-lived, hardy, and attractive trees. English oak trees can grow up to 30 meters tall and live for hundreds of years.

English oaks are relatively easy to care for, and they can tolerate a wide range of climate and soil conditions. They are best grown in full sun, but they will also tolerate some shade. They prefer well-drained soil, but they can tolerate some clay and sand. English oaks are relatively drought-tolerant, but they will benefit from regular watering during dry periods.

5. Where did the Quercus tree come from?

The exact origin of the Quercus tree genus is still debated by scientists, but it is believed to have evolved in the Northern Hemisphere during the early Eocene epoch, around 56 million years ago. During this time, vast land bridges connected North America, Europe, and Asia, allowing plants and animals to freely disperse across the continents. Oaks were likely part of a vast forest that spread across these landmasses.

The fossil record for Quercus species is extensive, with specimens found in various locations across the Northern Hemisphere. This wide distribution suggests that oaks originated in a central location, possibly in Eurasia, and then spread to other regions. However, it is also possible that oaks evolved independently in different parts of the world.

Today, there are over 400 species of Quercus trees, found on five continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are keystone species, playing a vital role in the ecosystems they inhabit. Their acorns provide food for a wide variety of animals, and their leaves and branches provide shelter and nesting sites. Oaks also help to purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

6. What is so great about an oak tree?

Oak trees are revered for their many admirable qualities, making them a beloved and cherished species among humans and wildlife alike. Here are some of the reasons why oak trees are so great:

1. Longevity and Strength: Oak trees are known for their remarkable longevity, often reaching hundreds or even thousands of years old. This enduring presence makes them symbols of strength, stability, and resilience. Their sturdy trunks and deep roots provide shelter and protection for countless organisms, making them pillars of their ecosystems.
2. Ecological Importance: Oaks play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Their acorns provide a nutritious food source for a variety of animals, from squirrels and deer to birds and insects. Their leaves and branches provide nesting sites and shelter for numerous species, contributing to the biodiversity of forests and woodlands.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Oak trees are renowned for their majestic appearance, with their expansive canopies providing shade and beauty to landscapes. Their deeply lobed leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn, creating a breathtaking spectacle of color. Their presence adds a sense of grandeur and tranquility to any environment.
4. Cultural Significance: Oaks have held a deep symbolic meaning in various cultures throughout history. They often represent wisdom, power, and longevity, and have been associated with deities, myths, and legends. Their enduring presence has made them a source of inspiration for artists, poets, and writers, and they continue to be symbols of strength, stability, and connection to nature.
5. Economic Value: Oak wood is highly valued for its strength, durability, and beauty. It is used in a wide variety of applications, from furniture and flooring to construction and barrels. Oak wood is also used to make musical instruments, such as violins and cellos, and is prized for its rich sound and resonance.
6. Air Purification: Oak trees play a crucial role in air purification. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, helping to combat climate change and improve air quality. Their leaves also filter out pollutants and dust particles, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
7. Soil Protection: Oak trees help to protect soil from erosion. Their deep roots anchor the soil, preventing it from being washed away by rain or wind. Their fallen leaves and branches decompose, adding organic matter to the soil, which improves its structure and fertility.
8. Water Regulation: Oak trees play a role in regulating water flow. Their leaves intercept rainfall, slowing down its descent and allowing more water to infiltrate the soil. This helps to replenish groundwater supplies and reduces runoff, which can lead to flooding and erosion.