Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: cork oak

Family: Fagaceae

Distribution: Mediterranean

Habitat: Forest, shrubland, occurring up to 1000m

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Hardiness: Zone 7b 5 to 10 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental shade tree

Comments: Cork oak is a medium sized evergreen oak that is native to the central and western Mediterranean region. Bark from this oak is commercially harvested and processed to produce a variety of products including wine bottle corks. Trees typically mature to 40-70’ tall. Regardless of commercial value, this is an ornamentally attractive oak. Leathery, wavy-toothed, ovate, shiny dark green leaves to 2-4” long are gray-tomentose below. Thick, rough, deeply fissured, corky bark with reddish-brown furrows has a unique beauty, particularly on older trees. Over time, bark will grow to as much as 12” thick. Insignificant monoecious flowers appear in spring in male catkins 2-3” long and in short-stalked female clusters. Fruits are narrow oval-oblong acorns to 1.25” long.
Best grown in acidic, dry to medium, well-drained loams in full sun. Tolerates some part shade. Tolerates drought. Avoid wet, poorly-drained soils.