Spanish oak (Quercus falcata, Hist. Chênes Amér.: 28 (1801))

Family: Fagaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Hist. Chênes Amér.: 28 (1801)

Year: 1801

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Quercus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Spanish oak, known scientifically as Quercus falcata, is a notable species within the Fagaceae family. This resilient and versatile tree is indigenous to the central and eastern regions of the United States and holds considerable significance both ecologically and historically.

Described in detail by Michx. in the early 19th century, specifically in the year 1801, the Spanish oak was documented in “Hist. Chênes Amér.,” an authoritative text on American oaks, underscoring its longstanding recognition and study among botanists.

The Spanish oak typically thrives in diverse habitats ranging from dry uplands to fertile lowland valleys, displaying a remarkable adaptability to various soil conditions. This oak species is characterized by its distinctive foliage, with leaves that are typically lobed in a shape reminiscent of a sickle – a feature that hints at its scientific name ‘falcata,’ referring to the falcate, or sickle-shaped, form.

The tree is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological contributions. Spanish oaks serve as habitats and food sources for numerous wildlife species. The acorns produced by these trees are a crucial food supply for birds and mammals, thereby playing a vital role in local ecosystems.

Moreover, the Spanish oak has historically been a significant resource for humans. Its strong, durable wood has been used extensively in construction, furniture-making, and other applications that require robust timber.

As a key component of American forests, the Spanish oak continues to be a subject of study and admiration for botanists, arborists, and nature enthusiasts alike. Its presence enriches the biodiversity of its native regions and contributes to the intricate web of life that defines these ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: spanish oak, southern red oak
Fra: chêne rouge
Swe: spansk ek
En: Spanish oak, Southern red oak, Southern red oak; cherrybark oak
Ar: سنديان منجلي
Zh: 南方红橡
Cs: Dub srpovitý
Fr: Chêne rouge, Madison oak
Ka: Სამხრეთის წითელი მუხა
De: Sichelblättrige Eiche
Hu: Sallangoslevelű tölgy
Lv: Spāņu ozols
Fa: بلوط سرخ جنوبی
Sv: Spansk ek
Zh-tw: 南方紅橡

Synonyms

• Quercus falcata var. ludoviciana (A.DC.)
• Quercus nigra var. digitata (Marshall)
• Quercus hypophaeos (G.Kirchn.)
• Quercus elongata (Muhl.)
• Quercus falcata f. angustior (E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.)
• Quercus cuneata var. falcata ((Michx.) Dippel)
• Quercus hudsoniana (de Vos)
• Quercus rubra var. triloba ((Michx.) Ashe)
• Quercus digitata (Sudw.)
• Quercus rubra f. triloba ((Michx.) Trel.)
• Quercus falcata f. cuneata (Trel.)
• Quercus falcata f. houbae (Trel.)
• Quercus nigra var. falcata ((Michx.) Kuntze)
• Quercus triloba (Michx.)
• Quercus nigra var. triloba ((Michx.) Kuntze)
• Quercus falcata f. obovata (Trel.)
• Quercus falcata f. triloba ((Michx.) E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.)
• Quercus falcata var. triloba ((Michx.) Nutt.)
• Quercus falcata var. typica (A.Camus)
• Quercus rubra f. falcata ((Michx.) Trel.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Thomas d’Angmar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2020 by J B (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Aug 7, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Baur Jean-Marie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2020 by Spencer Judd (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 29, 2022 by RIVER STONE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2020 by Beth Holley (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 5, 2020 by Beth Holley (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:215831-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2880967)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus falcata Michx.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Stem

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.8