Oak

Family: beech. Name: the old Latin name of the oak.

Description: the genus contains about 600 species, growing in the temperate and tropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere.

Large handsome deciduous or evergreen trees with a massive pyramidal crown, leathery leaves, a deep root system with a strong taproot, less often shrubs. Most species are forest-forming taxa that provide valuable timber. They are light-loving, demanding of fertile soil, wind-resistant, drought-resistant, and noted for exceptional longevity. They propagate by seeds (acorns); ornamental forms by grafting.

The vigorous growth, longevity and resilience of oaks, together with high ornamental qualities (the shape of the crown, the coloration and form of the leaves), determine the leading role of the genus in green landscaping, especially in the creation of large parks and forest-parks in all areas suitable for their cultivation; they actively participate in forming park space, landscape and color. They combine well in plantings with each other as well as with pines, beech, hornbeam, elms, ashes, linden, rowan, maples, junipers, witch-hazel, pyracantha, privet and other species. The following species are most widespread in ornamental horticulture.

based on materials from the website www.ultradrome.narod.ru