Downy oak

Family: beech family (Fagaceae). Occurs wild in southern Crimea, the northern part of Transcaucasia, Southern Europe and Asia Minor. Present in Crimea's nature reserves. Forms xerophytic open woodlands on limestone-containing substrates. A very light-loving xerophyte.

Considerably smaller than the previous species, up to 8-10 m, with a low, twisted trunk and a broad crown, sometimes even a shrub. Young shoots are densely pubescent. Leaves 5-10 cm long, very variable in shape and size, with 4-8 pairs of obtuse or acute lobes, dark green and glabrous above, gray-green and pubescent beneath. Scales of the cupule, surrounding the acorn, are also hairy.

Slow-growing, light- and heat-loving, it occurs on dry rocky slopes and soils containing lime. Tolerates pruning well. Long-lived. A valuable species for landscaping in arid areas; it grows on rocky soils where other species do not develop. Excellent material for tall hedges and shaped, clipped forms. A good rootstock for cork oak and other, more heat-loving southern species.

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