Table of Contents ______

An Introduction to this The Genus Quercus in Republication . . . 5 Romania ...... 33

In the Beginning . . 7 The English Oak (Quercus RoburL.): An Oak Com· Original Introduction to mon in France . . . . . 37 the First Issue . . . . . 9 California Native Oaks: American Oaks in the Past and Present ...... 40 Landscape ...... 11

The Origin, History and Development o£ Arboretum Trompenburg . 19

Anyone interested in joining the International In tern ational Oak Society or ordering information should COli/t iN f( it·llll l'll ./t'/1 ,\'t'll of the membership office.

Membershit du s ur · U.S. $ 1~ JH't Oaks Cover Dlustration: year, and benefits in ·lud · puhl k 1t in11,, Paiwing by Michael Angeard. conferences, and x ·hn 11 1' •s ol' S\'t·d . tlltd information amo n • nt ' lllh ·rs I1 0 111 \() 11 1 The Journal of the International Oaks edited and designed tions on six contin · nt s. by Russell K. Stare, Auburn, Illinois International Oak Society Contact the International Oak Society Business office: Editorial office: Membership office: A commemorative republication JLIY ternberg, President Doug McCreary Richard Jensen Starhitl Forest Integrated Hardwood Department or Biolo y of the first International Oak Society Ro ute t, Box 272 Range Mgt. Program Saint Mary's Coll ege journal, March 1992. P ·tcrsburg, Illinois 62675 University of California Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 USA 8279 Scott Forbes Road USA ·-mail : Browns Valley, California e-mail : strhl rrst @ao l. co m 95918 rj ensen@sainlm(lrys, •d11 USA e-mail : [email protected] u International Oaks

An Introduction to this Republication

by Guy Sternberg Starhill Forest Petersburg, Illinois USA

even years ago, a few people worked with Nigel Wright to send up a trial balloon. No one could foresee how this first Sattempt to publish a journal for the International Oak Society would be received, and you may be able to sense the enthusiastic but tentative feelings underlying Mr. Wright's original introduction (see page 9). But the project was well conceived, with five invited introductory papers relating to conservation of oaks of western North America; horticultural properties of American oaks; one of the most prestigious of European oak collections, in Holland; native oaks in Europe, as represented by the enchanting nation of Romania; and a description of the type species of the genus (Quercus robur), from the perspective of someone living in its natural range in France. That first issue also contained seed exchange offers from France (Stephane Brame), Belgium (Daniel Dumont), Australia (Len Stubbs), and the USA (Dave Kenderes). While one of the articles was a reprint from another publication, the other four were provided by original associates of what has grown into an organization now comprising membership of more than 500 individuals, from approximately 30 nations on six continents. This growth has not come easily, but it has become a force which is placing the International Oak Society among the elite plant organizations of the world. That trial journal issue, produced on a photocopying machine in

contd. on pg . 6

No.1 Republication I March 1999 Page 5 International Oaks International Oaks Republication • • • In the contd. from pg. 5

Mr. Wright's spare time, has been out of cal errors included in the original issue Beginning print for several years. Many of our (although any publication of this type is members have asked us to reprint it, so that likely to have some errors, despite our best they might have a complete set (all other efforts). We now are using a quality back issues remain available for purchase), printing process, and we have made every by Steven Roesch and to correct the original errors and attempt to produce a commemorative reformat it into the size and style currently publication suitable for your permanent International Oak Society founder used for International Oaks. But the library. New Berlin, Wisconsin USA reprinting was delayed due to the costs Our Editorial Chairperson, Doug involved, and due to other excessive McCreary, has been assembling our next demands upon the time of our volunteer newsletter and coordinating the comple­ had no initial plan to develop any sort of plant society . Jn the board of directors. The organization had tion of our conference proceedings, late 1970s and early 1980s I was very enthusiastic, and been in a period of significant transitional working from California and England. So I I frustrated not to find various rare plant species (in particular growth, which consumed the attention and am serving as editor pro tern for this special oaks, but they were not then a priority for me). I was energy of its leaders. issue. Everything has been totally re­ volunteering in the greenhouse at the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) That transition finally reached the point done--every paper retyped and corrected, Public Museum. At that time the Museum had a list of plant where once again it became possible to line by line. Doing this painstaking work societies, which proved useful in finding a few items. Most pursue this project. The opportunity was has brought back many wonderful notable was the American Fern Society, with its excellent spore enhanced when Diana Gardener, a memories for me of the early days of the exchange. This spore exchange prompted my first serious member from Oregon, surprised everyone International Oak Society. international correspondence. at the business meeting during our Second We hope you will treasure this I continued to search for rare species, but most (especially Triennial Conference by offering a very publication, and the history which Quercus) could not be obtained from commercial sources, even substantial grant from her personal funds, conceived it. And we hope you will join the as seeds. I contacted many arboreta, but they were not very thus enabling us to prepare this unsched­ members of your board of directors in helpful. I had read about the successful work done by John uled special issue without compromising extending our deepest gratitude to Diana Bmtram with his English correspondent Peter Collinson, and our budget. Gardener for helping our organization wanted to work in a similar manner. I just needed to find a "Peter We saw this not only as an opportunity, document its roots. Collinson" of my own. but an obligation, to produce more than a Eventually, I had my name and address listed in an mere reprint. Within these pages you will March 1999 arboricultural journal in England, seeking correspondence and find annotations about each author, some seed exchange. A few replies were received, most promisingly new illustrations, and a special history of from Susan Cooper and Michael Frankis. Soon there began a the formation of the International Oak very productive exchange of many seeds. Mostly, they asked for Society written by our founder, Steven Quercus - and so did I. Roesch. Many corrections have been A few months later, I asked Ms. Cooper if we might find more made to the nomenclature and typographi- contd . on pg . 8

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In the Beginning • • • contd. from pg . 7 Original Introduction species of oak if we announced the There is a web site and member data base, introduction of an "International Oak the journal International Oaks, the to the First Issue Society" which really did not exist at that newsletter Oak News & Notes, annual Oak time. She agreed, and several publications Open Days in Europe, and triennial included the announcement. Soon we had conferences with major seed exchanges a small but serious group of exchangers, and worldwide participation. Those con­ by M. Nigel Wright with participants from several other ferences have become the greatest Windrose Nursery countries. Those early international mem­ assemblages of oak enthusiasts and Pennsylvania, USA bers included Daniel Dumont of Belgium, experts (and oak seeds!) in the world. We Stephane Brame of France, Stelian Radu have taken on a much broader focus, with of Romania, JRP van Hoey Smith of many of the foremost authorities on oak­ Holland, and Istvan Racz of Hungary. related topics listed among our members. editor, I would like to welcome all our readers to this first Then Nigel Wright proposed to begin a As you read this issue of International publication of the International Oak Society Journal. Given newsletter, and Guy Sternberg worked Oaks, please consider our mission dequate time and opportunity, I anticipate that many more are with him to expand the idea into a journal. statement. What priorities do you think the to follow. Mr. Wright prepared the first issue with the International Oak Society should empha­ Most of the articles included are of an introductory nature, to ease our articles contributed by Mr. Brame, Mr. van size? How can you participate in the way into the horticultural arena before getting involved with exact Hoey Smith, Mr. Sternberg, and Mr. Radu, achievement of our goals? The organiza­ specifics and scientific debate. Since this is an international plus a reprint from the California Native tion is fueled by the interests and vitality of organization, I have tried to include a diversity of material that might Plant Society journal Fremontia. All are each of its members. The officers and circumscribe the continuity of the whole. But I feel strongly that the republished with corrections here. He did board of directors who have volunteered articles are stimulating and worthy of bringing together in this first issue. all the work himself, and it was very well their valuable time to serve us need our It was also important to get this journal published so that more people received. help to make it most successful. could get involved and contribute their knowledge on the wonderful genus Quercus. In the beginning, there were no formal The International Oak Society evolved out of a very informal memberships and no budget or dues. But Editor's note: We asked Mr. Roesch for correspondence and seed exchange between Steven Roesch in America that first attempt to distribute a journal this historical account of our beginnings and Susan Cooper in England. As they exchanged miscellaneous seeds, so that it could be recorded in this brought in more participants, and Mr. their requests centered around one genus in particular, namely oaks, and Sternberg used this increasing interest to commemorative republication. He still thus began the International Oak Society. Mr. Roesch took it upon organize our first conference at the Morton lives in Wisconsin, and he has partici­ himself to contact people around the world who were interested in oaks Arboretum in Illinois. It was attended by pated in each of our triennial confer­ and to set up a network of seeds. When I got involved I saw the need for approximately 200 people, many of whom ences. He remains an active and centralization and some kind of literature that could unite its members. became members. enthusiastic ambassador for oaks. We owe I sent letters to addresses that Steven Roesch had given me, asking for Since that time, we held our second the existence of our organization to the help and contributions to what was at first suggested as the International conference in California and we have idea, persistence and energy of Steve incorporated. As of this writing we Roesch. comprise approximately 500 members. contd. on pg. 10

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Original Introduction • • • American Oaks in contd. from pg. 9

Oak Society Journal. Editor's note: Nigel Wright and his wife On future publications, we hope to Lisa operate Windrose Nursery in Pennsyl­ the Landscape spotlight at least one oak species in each vania. They were very active in our early issue and try to involve ourselves more efforts to organize and expand the thoroughly into the science of propagating International Oak Society. Together they and growing oaks. We would also like to produced the first issue, and the following by Guy Sternberg promote our seed exchange and encourage six issues, of what has evolved into our Starhill Forest our readers to write to each other and flagship publication International Oaks. Petersburg, Illinois USA explore the numerous species of oaks Nigel served as secretary on our first available. interim board, and was one of the three e - the American members of the International Oak incorporating officers (along with Peter Society -are very excited about a national survey of tree March 1992 van der Linden and Guy Sternberg) who professionals which recently .nominated the proposed new signed our corporate charter. W National Tree of the United States: the genus Quercus' If you are concerned about global warming, you probably know that planting more trees is something that we all can do to help. However, even with massive reforestation efforts, our climate situation will deteriorate further before it begins to stabilize. During the potential lifetime of the shade trees that you might plant next spring, our anthropogenic greenhouse effect may force the natural ranges of many mesic tree species n01th into Canada, if they survive at all. So, if you live in an area where such trees may be in jeopardy, increase your odds by planting ==~~======JOURNAL======tougher species that are adapted to the projected shift in climate of the isopleths - plant oaks! INTERNATIONAL Oaks are an ancient and diverse tribe comprised of species that collectively will thrive in the best, but handle many of the worst, planting sites we have to offer. As early as 1924 the famous oak student William Trelease had recorded 371 Quercus species in the Western OAK Hemisphere. Most of them occur in the Nearctic Realm, chiefly in the United States and Mexico. The genus includes ecological generalists ======S 0 C l that are broadly adapted as well as ecological specialists tailored to some of our most severe sites. From a landscape horticulture perspective, let's review some of the better known and most promising examples.

An Oak From Yesterday In the past, "oak" unf01tunately has meant "pin oak" (Quercus

The cover of our first issue as it appeared on Vol. I, Issu e I, in March 1992 contd. on pg. 12

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earliest oaks to follow Q. palustris into than some others, though, and should be American Oaks • • • popularity throughout much of the United trained when young into a strong growth States has been Q. rubra, the northern red form with a single dominant leader. It has a contd. from pg. 11 oak. It is a handsome, pollution-resistant very similar counterpatt in California, Q. species with a clean branching pattern, good kelloggii, the California black oak. crimson or ochre fall color, and attractive dark Those who seek a tree more reminiscent of palustris) to many people in the United this market and feel more comfortable bark that develops smooth ridges which the conical Q. palustris might try Q. coccinea States. Q. palustris is a nurseryman' s tree: investing in the production of such species. almost appear as stripes on vigorous (scarlet oak) on upland or sandy sites, or the easy to propagate; easy to transplant; fast As the public becomes ever more aware of specimens. The tree is relatively easy to fast-growing Q. nuttallii (Nuttall's oak) on growing; and naturally blessed with a true "value" landscaping, the supply/demand transplant (in the early spring, as with most heavy soils and low ground. Both trees are marketable, excurrent growth habit. How­ spiral should bring still more diversity to the oaks) and if moved when two inches or less in brilliantly colored in autumn, and closely ever, the tree must be pruned into a lollipop to Quercus sections of nursery catalogs. diameter it recovers quickly. Once estab­ resemble Q. palustris in form and foliage. A fit in the average yard without having its lished, it is quite drought resistant. technicality of the rules of nomenclature pendent, persistent lower limbs usurp the Oaks for Today-The Black Oaks The fast-growing Q. rubra can become one unfortunately has caused Nuttall's oak to be entire lawn. Its twiggy lower branches (Subgenus Erythrubalanus, syn. Subgenus of our largest deciduous trees in a relatively renamed Q. texana, despite the facts that its frequently become a traffic hazard in Quercus Section Lobatae) shOit time. It is amenable to most average Mississippi Valley range barely extends to boulevard plantings. soils, but will respond best to its favorite: rich, Texas and that the botanist who originated the This species also is notoriously intolerant The black (or red) oak group to which Q. well drained, moist, cool clay-loam. The name Q. texana obviously was referring to of high pH soils, a trait which frequently is not palustris belongs is purely American, being acorns are variable in size and shape from another tree, sometimes considered to be a expressed until the tree is well established in endemic to the Western Hemisphere. It provenance to provenance and from tree to small western variety of Q. shumardii. Some the landscape with its roots exploring beyond includes many of the fastest growing and tree. I currently am testing progeny at Starhill specimens appru·ently were switched in the transplanted, acidic nursery-soil ball. most colorful species of Quercus. One of the Forest from individual trees with large acorns someone' s herbarium years ago, and instead Suddenly one summer, per­ (for mast production) as well as from some of conserving the appropriate name, we now haps with the catalytic effect with small acorns (for smaller birds and for have confusion! The other Q. texana tree, of a drought, the hapless landscape use with minimal litter problems), now renamed Q. buckleyi, also is a beautiful homeowner might discover and several researchers are making selections specimen, but smaller than its cousins, and that he has planted a chlorotic for timber production as well. hardy far n01th of its Texas range. invalid of a tree that must be This species is one of our hardiest oaks, Another very good choice within the black acidified, chelated, injected, growing naturally (with somewhat reduced oak group for landscape use is Q. imbricaria or replaced. Except for those stature) as far north as Lake St. John, Quebec. (shingle oak). Admittedly inferior for timber who have moist, acidic soil For more southerly regions, and especially purposes, this species seems to have been and plenty of ground-level where poor soil or imperfect drainage is a created purely for ornamental horticulture. Its growing space to accommo­ concern, Q. shumardii (shumard oak) is an uniform, dense, oval growth habit is date its drooping lower almost identical substitute with more deeply comparable to that of Q. palustris, but more branches, the overused Q. cut foliage. Another closely related, beautiful rounded and less pendulous. It usually palustris should be consid­ southern species useful in poor, dry soils is Q. becomes a medium-sized tree, more suited to ered the oak of the past. falcata , the southern red oak, which has the scale of residential suburbia than our For the 1990' s and be­ particularly attractive foliage on selected lru·gest oaks. Its acorns are small and yond, there are other oaks individuals. For dry soil conditions back up inoffensive from a litter standpoint, sifting that truly are outstanding n01th , Q. velutina (eastern black oak) is a down among blades of grass or chunks of performers. Public demand hardy tree with spectacular foliage, from mulch until they are claimed by birds or for quality landscape trees is scarlet budbreak through glossy maturity to increasing, so progressive Quercus macrocarpa: Guy Sternberg with a specimen 28 feet (8.6 m) in amber senescence. It is more prone to decay nurserymen now recognize circwn.frence, approximately 400 years old, found in western Indiana. contd. on pg. 14

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riparian forests, it ranges While local American Oaks ... from the Texas Gulf provenances are rec­ Coast to the latitude of ommended in general Reindeer Island in Lake for planting all trees, I contd. from pg . 13 Winnipeg, Manitoba. am successfully grow­ Throughout this vast ing Q. macrocarpa in­ squirrels. and available locally. They all have beautiful range, Q. macrocarpa is di viduals from 50 seed Q. imbricaria is as easil y transpl anted as fa ll color, ranging from the typical russet­ the archetype of perma­ sources representing any oak, and is one of the most adaptable of orange of Q. marilandica to scarlet in some nence and venerability. porti ons of its range ecological generali sts to a vm·iety of expo­ of the others, and are impervious to drought. It begins life as a many hundreds of miles sures and soil types. Its fall color is interesting For those so inclined, these diminutive slow-growing, awkward, north and south of my but not always outstanding, varying from species might serve well as subjects for sparsely branched sap­ location. Such trees ap­ greeni sh-gold to crimson to a wm·m russet­ mi niature culture as Bonsai or Penjing, for ling-the ugly duckling pear quite distinct from brown. It is one of our most marcescent oaks, topiary, or as anchors fo r the shrub border. of oaks. Once it attains a their local counterpmts, so many of its leaves may persist through di ameter of about three in evidence of the cLinal most or all of the winter, adding to its More Oaks for Today- The White Oaks inches, it stmts a trans­ variati on (or in trogres­ ornamental, screening, and wildlife value. (S ubgenus Quercus Section Quercus, for­ formation into a rugged, sion) for which the While Q. imbricaria is hardy throughout merl y Subgenu s Lepidobalanus or massive monm·ch with a species is well known. most of the central and eastern states, Leucobalanus) potenti al life span of But they are growing southerners also might try the similar, many centuries. well here in Illinois natTower-leaved Q. phellos (will ow oak) or The white oak group, which is considered by The characteristic under cultivati on. It will the equally popular and highly variabl e Q. many authorities to include several European ©Guy & Edith Sternberg corky bm·k and pictur- be interesting to com­ nigra (water oak). Both m·e at home in wet, and Asian sections classified as separate esque .oe rm t· mprove as Quercus stellata near Tu lsa, Oklahoma, ap- pare their sizes and sandy, or tight soil s, and have fo li age and subgenera by others, includes most of the proximately 400 years old. the tree matu res, and old growth fo rms in a few habit akin to Q. imbricaria. species with the greatest stature, longest Life age can be associated with immense size in hundred yems! Q. marilandica (blackj ack oak) is a spans, sweetest acorns, most durabil ity, and the more hospitable p01tions of its range. Q. macrocwpa is named fo r the tangerine­ "scrub" species that can be an attracti ve, generall y the slowest growth rates of the oaks. Favorable growing conditions also can coax sized frui t of some southern provenances, dense, round-headed small tree for those who Due to the general absence of significant the tree into epi sodic flu shing (buds breaking such as those in the Wabash Valley of lllinois have less room. Although often slow growing peroxidase enzyme incompatibilities (per summer dormancy and adding a second and Indiana. However, like those of Q. rubra, and unkempt in its ri gorous native habitats, resemch by Dr. Frank Santamour Jr. , U. S. year's growth the same year). This tends to the acorns vary considerably in size among which range from dune sand to adobe clay, National Arboretum), this group is much easier compensate to some extent fo r its usual slow di fferent ecotypes. They can be so sweet that thi s species makes a pleasant, tough li ttle tree than the black oaks to propagate asexually by growth rate. selecti ons have been made fo r nut-tree when brought into cultivation at a young age grafting, so horticultural selections of some The leaves of Q. macrocarpa are deprived orchm·d planting. Despi te their large size, or grown fro m seed. Do not attempt to species already me available in the nursety trade. of the brilliance that enl ivens many other oaks these acorns will not constitute a seri ous litter transplant wild seedlings of any size, though, As Andrew Jackson Downing wrote in in autumn, but they are dark and lustrous all problem in the mai ntained landscape if unless you m·e equipped to dig to China! 1847 of "our fi nest and hardiest oaks, rich in summer, with contrasting abax ial surfaces squirrels and other wil dli fe, li vestock, or Other small bl ack oaks, including the fo li age and grand in every part of their trunks that fl ash in the wind. Q. macrocarpa is health food enthusiasts have access to them. previously menti oned Q. buckleyi plus Q. and branches," hi s description seems to single undaunted by heat, cold , drought, tlash This species should be grown from seed, ilicifolia (bear oak), Q. georgiana (Stone out the tree that I consider to be the standard­ fl oods, prairie tires, a wide soil pH range, tra nsplanted when small , or tended as a Mountain oak), and Q. laevis (turkey oak, not bearer for the entire white oak group - Q. climbing boys, and city conditions. The only spontaneous volunteer if possible. Lmger to be confused with the Eurasian Q. celTis, macrocarpa, the bur oak. An adaptable seri ous threats affecting it are li ghtning and specimens can be moved with a mechanical Turkish oak) also can be domesti cated into inhabitant of many landscapes, from prairie the "bulldozer bLight" which frequentl y are attracti ve small trees where they me adapted groves and savannas to both upland and fata l to old patriarchs. contd. on pg. 16

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American Oaks ... of the central range of Q. macrocarpa also. shrubby red oak species. Q. alba is a supeiior timber tree and can have Around the milder maritime fringes of the excellent fall color, among the best of its group. United States, several outstanding native oaks contd. from pg. 15 The tree is limited horticulturally by its notorious are adapted locally. The magnificent Q. slow growth and difficulty in transplanting, and virginiana (southern live oak) and its transplanter that will dig a deep, conical majestic specimen. If you need one of the evergreen relatives and some counterparts in rootball, or hand-dug if they were undercut chestnut oaks for drier sites, Q. montana California, together with the awesome Q. by the nurseryman when young. The root (rock chestnut oak, formerly known as Q. lobata (valley oak), Q. douglasii (blue oak), physiologists who claim trees don't have prinus) is a tough and colmful tree available at and Q. garryana (Garry oak) are white oaks taproots (probably based upon research in many nurseries. And if extremely high soil which should be preserved where they occur claypan soils) probably never dug a Q. pH is your concern, whether wet or dry, and planted where they are adapted. There macrocmpa grown in well-drained loam; a choose Q. muhlenbergii, the yellow chestnut even is a separate taxonomic group of oaks three-inch caliper tree can have a carrot-like oak or chinkapin oak-nothing else will do as called the golden oaks (Protobalanus) taproot 16 feet long! consisting of only a few species confined to lf you like Q. macrocarpa the West Coast and nmthwestern Mexico. but need a tree that's easier to Many interesting oaks, both trees and transplant or more tolerant of shrubs, also inhabit semi-arid portions of the soggy soil, try some of its first ©Guy & Edith Sternberg southwestern United States and Mexico. Quercus lyrata foliage at Starhill Forest Many are ever­ cousins: the southern Q. Arboretum, Petersburg, Illinois USA. lyrata (overcup oak) or, in green, and some colder climate areas, Q. has a preference for acidic soil; but, like Q. of those which bicolor (swamp white oak). macrocarpa, it will be the living legacy we leave occur at high el­ Q. lyrata is a round-headed, for our great -grandchildren when lesser trees evations have po­ lustrous, southern swamp have followed us to the grave. tential for selec­ tree which can be grown at As with the black oak group, the ranks of tion or breeding least as far north as central the white oaks include some species that are for cold tolerance ©Guy & Edith Sternberg Illinois from northern seed scaled down to smaller spaces. Q. stellata farther north. types. The more northerly Q. Quercus macrocarpa branch from Indiana, displaying exceptionally (post oak) can become fairly large but usually Perhaps ever­ corky bark. bicolor reputedly is the is a medium-sized tree. It has heavy, glossy green oaks will easiest of the white oaks to transplant. It has well. All of the trees in this group have sweet foliage that may yield good color over an be a possibility attractive peeling bark on its smaller branches, acorns, attractive bark and foliage, and extended fall season. Once established, the for mid-latitude and color-contrasting ("bicolored") leaves interesting branching patterns. species is drought immune, but it is extremely areas of the ©Guy & Edith Sternberg which shimmer in the wind like those of Q. The real model of comparison for all white slow to develop and cannot be transplanted United States in macrocarpa. Along with Q. lyrata, it oaks (and all other oaks as well) is Q. alba, the easily in larger sizes. Still, a specimen 400-500 the future! Quercus lyrata fruits from tolerates tight or wet soil yet thrives on better eastern white oak. An ancient, dramatic, years of age is a magnificent sight. southern Illinois, showing the typical enclosing caps. sites when planted in the landscape; but open-grown Q. alba is a Druid's dream, and Still smaller species include Q. prinoides, neither tree shares the tolerance of Q. probably was the actual inspiration for the dwatf chestnut oak of the central and Oaks for Tomorrow - Cultivars and macrocarpa for high pH. Downing's 1847 admiration. As hardy and eastern states; Q. gambelii (Utah white oak) of Hybrids Q. michau.xii, the swamp chestnut oak, is a picturesque as Q. nwcrocarpa, this species' the Rocky Mountains, and others from the It seems that horticulturists never are tree of similar habitats. lt has fiery autumn population has a more eastern concentration deep South, Southwest, and far West. Some content with plant species, no matter how color which shows to advantage against its (and was very common in the Hudson Valley are mere shrubs or even groundcover plants, diverse and useful those species might be. We nearly white bark, and develops into a tall and that Downing knew so well) but shares much like Q. havardii, the shin oak. They make interesting pets for the small garden, and have contd. on pg. 18 the same potential for creative pruning as the

Page 16 No.1 Republication I March 1999 No.1 Republication I March 1999 Page 17 International Oaks International Oaks American Oaks ... The Origin, History and contd. from pg. 17 Development of all want to find something special, or be crossed with Q. alba, which exhibits many of creative and tinker with nature. Now that the qualities of Q. alba on a tree with Arboretum Trompenburg cloning and grafting problems with oaks are exceptionally fast growth. Several hybrids of being overcome, Quercus can serve as an American white oak species with European endless source for such delights. and Asian species also show tremendous Individual trees of many species can be promise. by J. R. P. van Hoey Smith highly variable, inviting selection for various This introductory article has merely Arboretum Trompenburg horticultural qualities. And within (but not scratched the surface of the horticultural Rotterdam, Holland generally between) their respective subgenera, potential of Quercus, the proposed United oaks seem to be almost universally inteii.eitile. States' National Tree. While it seldom is Spontaneous hybrids are found nearly advisable to encourage exclusive use of any he history of the arboretum started in 1820 when a small everywhere, and serious plant breeders can genus as a monoculture, oaks should become county seat was built in the village of Kralingen, now part of foster thousands more by planting allopatric a primary component of the Americas' T Rotterdam, 4 km from the center of the City. The owners had species in close proximity or by intervening nucleus of trees for the future. their permanent house and work in Rotterdam, but the weekends were directly with transfer of pollen from distant spent at Kralingen. The house was not built on poles, as is the custom areas. We are just beginning to explore the Editor's note: Guy Sternberg organized our now, but on casks with long willow branches in them. These were put possibilities of artificial pollination of oaks. first conference, coordinated our incorpo­ vertically on the earth and loaded, whereby the willow twigs bend Hybrid oaks can offer three major ration, organizes the seed exchanges for our outwards and so give a considerable canying capacity. This old­ advantages: conferences, and has served as our first fashioned way of making foundations is a consequence of the weak 1. The opp01tunity to garnish good species president. This article originally was structure of the underlying soil. with special qualities from related prepared as legislation was being consid­ Forty percent of Holland, including Rotterdam, lies below sea species; ered in the U.S. Congress to name the oak as level-our arboretum by four meters! During the floods of 1953, the 2. The introduction of heterosis ("hybrid the National Tree of the United States dykes were half eaten away by the water before the tide turned and vigor") for faster growth, better color, following an International Society of saved us. Originally, the Rhine Maas Delta consisted of peat swamps. etc. than that expressed by either parent Arboriculture survey which gave oaks 5995 In the Middle Ages, and also later, these were used commercially, and species; votes out of 7761 cast by professional the peat was removed for burning. Of 20 to 30 meters of soft peat, 4 3. The excitement of exploring the un­ arborists and other tree experts. That meters were removed and the rest flooded again at each tide. So, a known and the potential for discovery. legislation (the National Tree Bill), as House small layer of heavy river clay covered the thick peat layer and mud Joint Resolution 69 and Senate Joint was deposited on top. The peat still contains many stems of oaks, Several oak hybrids are beginning to Resolution I 13, has not yet been enacted. birches, and alders. When digging our swimming pool, the stem of a appear in the nursery trade already as seed or heavy oak had to be removed. The wood was still in perfect condition and used for repairing a Viking ship, uncovered by reclaiming land F2 seedlings. One of the most promising for future release as an F, cultivar is a selection of from the Zuiderzee. Q. xsaulii (Q. montana x Q. alba) which A reclaimed area enclosed with dykes is called a polder, and when displays brilliant fall color over an extended ., the water was pumped out of the polder Kralingen, long straight season on a tree with outstanding form, ditches were dug, about 45 meters apart. Trompenburg consisted of foliage, and vigor. Another is a cross of Q. alba by Q. macrocarpa, possibly back contd. on pg. 20

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Arboretum Trompenburg garden from his father's death in 1919 until on top of a hole filled with old bricks and • • • 1950, when he retired to his country home. roofing tiles in a small quantity of soil. This His son took over, extended the oak specimen has grown slowly this way. contd. from pg. 19 collection already started by him, changed Quercus coccifera, definitely not hardy here more meadows into gardens, and started under normal conditions, was planted on top three plots 45 meters wide but 350 meters it with bales of peat moss, then covering by several new collections, such as the of a low brick wall, and also in this way long. In 1820, when the house was built, asphalt; or, the second method, digging by Rhododendron collection, which now con­ grows slowly but is hardier. Instead of only the middle plot was laid out as a garden huge dredges a canal, removing all the peat tains 800 taxa. He expanded the succulent improving the soil, which most gardeners do, and the other plots remained meadows. down to the original sand 20 meters below collection, started by James van Hoey Smith we have to reduce fertility sometimes. Our soil consists of a layer of good and after that, filling the canal with sand just after World War I, as a result of a visit to The first plantings of dendrological disintegrated mud of about 50 em over a again. Both methods are very expensive, and the Canary Islands. Every spring the big interest were made about 1870. Before that layer of heavy impenetrable clay of about 30 one may be astonished that we nevertheless specimens are moved from the greenhouse date, from the original plantings of 1820, em, all resting on the 20m of loose light peat. have good roads. into the open and so contribute to the general only some oaks remain. From the 1900 The clay must be kept carefully, because Trompenburg was bought by James interest and attraction of the Arboretum. As when it is removed oxygen enters the peat, Smith, a Rotterdam shipowner and agent in a specialty, we grow 350 succulent taxa of contd. on pg. 22 which disintegrates, and the soil collapses. 1850. His grandfather had come from Euphorbia. This circumstance means that only a small England more than a century earlier, and he Our yearly rainfall is 760 Map of Aboretum Trompenburg but very fertile layer of garden soil is still had both English and Dutch citizenship. mm. The climate is more available. In dry periods we have to water He immediately extended the house and in continental than in England, often because the layer of clay is level with 1870 ordered the well-known Dutch garden and we have 10° C more the water table of the polder and no moisture architect, Zacher, to lay out the western part. frost. This just prevents us enters through the heavy clay from the side, His son, William, planted a long alley on the from growing the beautiful and roots cannot penetrate the clay. This, in edge of the eastern part in 1900. James van rhododendrons of hardi­ a country of plentiful water, but where the Hoey Smith got the opportunity to lay the ness 3, and even some of water is controlled so carefully. We know basis of the present arboretum, and his son hardiness 4, as rated in the this from experience, as a former head now completes this work. William added the Royal Horticultural Society gardener once thought it would be a very name "van Hoey" for his son in order to Rhododendron Handbook. good thing to remove the clay from an area prevent confusion in the shipping business From 1963 on, many big­ often by ten meters. Still now, 40 years later, to England, where the names James and leaved rhododendrons have we have to bring in new soil each year, the Smith are so common. been tried, but that year was old having sunk away. The opportunity to develop the arboretum the last with a severe winter. The Romans built through the swamps arose from a circumstance at the time Rhododendronflctolacteum corduroy roads, which were discovered in considered a disaster-the Dutch Elm flowered last year for the Holland in several places. These were built disease. Looking back, we may now first time. The soil is very from wooden sticks 2 m long and with a consider this to be a blessing to the fertile, with a pH about 1. Entrance 9. Heather Garden & diameter of I 0 em, connected to each other arboretum, although elsewhere it remains a 4.5, ideal for rhododen- 2. Visitor Center Succulent Border and in this way forming a reliable road. We disaster, as there has not yet been found an drons. 3. Hosta Walk 10. Goldfish Pond brought sand on to our roads and when the equivalent elm substitute for planting along Araucaria araucana, 4. Perenhof 11. Rosarium road sagged, new sand was put on top. The roads and dykes. Imagine that if the 400 large although growing in sev­ 5. Woudesteyn 12. Evergreen Oaks more sand, the quicker the sagging elms were still growing, then only a forester eral other places in Hol­ 6. Hintzen 13. Cedar Group -, 7. Nursery 14. Quercus robur 'Pendola' progressed. Now the modern method of could enjoy the long straight stems under land, always froze at 8. Succulent Greenhouse 15. Pinetum building roads in Holland is by one of two which not even grass would grow. Trompenburg. Now a 16. Sheep Meadow systems: removing all the sand and replacing James van Hoey Smith managed the specimen has been planted

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War, a herbaceous border, rose garden, ered 50 years ago; Arboretum Trompenburg • • • goldfish pond, heather garden and succulent • Pinus pumila 'Dwa1f Blue', the original house were laid out on this plot, and the plant from which Mr. den Ouden contd. from pg . 21 original vegetable garden was made a described this form; nursery for woody plants only. • Quercus pontica, 50 years old; Plot 4. "Perenhof," situated east of Plot 3, plantings, we still have a Gymnocladus from the plantings of 1820, the elms having was transfeiTed to the management of the • Q. dentata, also 50 years old; dioicus and a Fraxinus xanthoxyloides var. been cut down. The former orchards have arboretum in 1965 in order to synchronize its dumosa. The latter one had to be moved 80 • Q. pontica X Q. dentata, 35 years old (Q. maintenance with that of the arboretum. It meters, which was done with complete ' Pondaim'); was also laid out around 1820 in the English success with a frozen soi l ball of 4 meters in • Q. macranthera x Q. frainetto , 35 years landscape style, but bad been terribly diameter. During three years everything was neglected. It has been reorganized com­ old (Q. 'Macon'); prepared for the relocation, and photographs pletely, maintaining the English style. • Fagus sylvatica 'Aureopendula', 40 of the event appeared in the Rotterdam Plot 5. "Woudesteyn," situated east of years old; newspapers. Plot 4, was leased some years ago from the James van Hoey Smith was the first to • Q. robur 'Pendula' , 40 years old; municipality of Rotterdam in order to extend plant interesting trees on a large scale with • Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum', the Arboretum. During wartime it was used the intention of starting an arboretum. Only for allotment gardens, but these were given 50 years old; after all the elms had been removed could we Photo by JRP van Hoey Smith up after nothing had been done, and the • L. tulipifera 'Mediopictum', 40 years carry out these plans. From 1928 onwards, Quercus (macranthera X frainello) 'Ma con.' clearing was tremendous work. At the old; every year he ordered plants from Hesse, been transformed into a beautiful group of present time it has shrub borders, and the Germany and Yilmorin, France, along with blue Atlas cedars, and another part was • L. tulipifera 'Crispum', 40 years old; dahlia collection is planted there. local nurseries. Every Sunday, together with replanted with different rhododendrons. • L. tulipifera 'Integrifolium', 40 years old. Of special interest to visitors are: his sons, he visited some nurseries and Plot 2. The western part of the original 1. The collection of oaks: 94 species and I 00 ordered plants. His son, the writer of this plots was laid out, also in the English cultivars; of these taxa, 20 are evergreen. Many visitors ask how we have succeeded article, went on ordering, but also from Mr. landscape style, in 1870 by Zocher, who also 2. The collection of beeches: 50 taxa. in collecting such an assortment. Indeed, Hillier in England. Moreover, he continues planned the Rotterdam municipal park and 3. The collection of rhododendrons: 325 many have been received in unusual ways. A collecting and ordering seeds and scions and many other famous gardens. Apart from a species and 475 hybrids. witch's broom that we found in a Picea obtaining plant material from around the Thuja plicata and a Taxodium distichum, gave a new dwarf Sitka spruce 4. Ginkgo biloba: 13 cultivars. sitchensis world. only some old Taxus, a Ginkgo, and a I 00- 5. Liriodendron: 2 species and 8 cultivars. Picea sitchensis 'Strypemonde' . When The Arboretum consists of five parts laid year-old grove of the orange-red azalea, 6. Cedrus: 4 species and 24 cultivars. driving from the airport to the city of out at different times. Originally, there were Rhododendron. japonicum remain of the 7. Chamaecyparis: 7 species and 135 Hamburg, l saw a nice umbrella-shaped only three plots. The 1870 plantings. A cultivars. shrub. It proved to be a weeping oak, and a fourth and fifth plots meadow with sheep at­ 8. Pinus: 40 species and 145 cultivars. much better form than the existing one. This were added in 1965. tracts visitors. In 1928 shrub is the mother of our Quercus robur The five plots are de­ part of the meadow was The above are only a part of the total 'Pendula' growing over the pergola. scribed as follows. made into a pinetum. coll ection of over 3,000 woody plants, From Fagus sylvatica 'Zlatia', the golden Plot 1. In 1820 the Plot 3. The eastern part among which some outstanding specimens beech, I bred several plants with leaves center of the three origi­ of the original plots was are: ranging from yellow to green and deep nal parts was laid out as edged in 1900 by an purple to yellow-brown. From Fagus • Fraxinus xanthoxyloides var. dumosa, 90 a garden in the English avenue pl anting, mainly sylvatica 'Rohanii' I grew many incised landscape style. We find Photo by JRP van Hoey Smith of elms with some inter­ years old, transplanted 20 years ago; here a couple of com­ esting trees in between. • Picea omorika 'Expansa' which I discov- Quercus x/ibanerris 'Rolterdam.' contd. on pg. 24 mon European oaks left After the First World

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Arboretum Trompenburg • • • disease, many large specimens of common unscientific. However, all differences are trees were planted in order to give shelter. easily visible, and in that way I can show Now these have done their duty and can be everybody the specific features of the oaks contd. from pg. 23 removed. We do this very slowly, in order we grow. not to disturb the public, who also, in The full list of 177 oaks is available to forms with colors also ranging among green, much as possible, evergreens and decidu­ Holland, protest against every tree cut down. anyone asking for it. Below, in alphabetical purple-green and yellow (F. sylvatica ous trees, for winter interest; Sometimes, we have to make a choice sequence, are some of those which grow 'Rohan Gold'). Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck', 2. I give much attention to colors; two between two trees when they touch each well here and have proven to be of interest thought to be sterile, fruited and 40 percent contrasting pinks, for example, will not be other. Doing nothing is also a decision, for parks and gardens. were fastigiate. These 40 percent consist of adjacent; which often results in two ugly trees instead Quercus acuta from Japan, an evergreen mainly the original green form, but also some 3. I keep the vistas open; of one nice one. species with big leathery leaves, needs in dark purple and yellow. Now, 20 years 4. The axe (now chainsaw) is my paint­ In 1956 a foundation was formed with the protection here when young. Now we need later, these seedlings are 10m high and are a brush. purpose of securing the Arboretum for only cover the lower parts of the trunk, and welcome extension to the nursery assort­ future generations. The foundation, partly the 25-year old, 6 m tall bush fruits yearly. ment, as they keep their dense fastigiate habit Also, visitors often ask how we manage to financed by the van Hoey Smjth famjJy and Q. acutissima from Japan, Korea and very well. Some of them are now available produce only beautiful specimens in nice partly by the Foundation Volkskracht, in China is of medium size. It is deciduous, and under the names of F. sylvatica 'Dawyck surroundings. The answer is very simple: we 1970 received additional support from the the serrate leaf resembles that of Castanea, Purple' , 'Dawyck Gold', and 'Red Obelisk'. cut vigorously every plant that is growing Rotterdam Municipality, and so its future but is narrow and - contrary to Q. Our Arboretum of only 5 hectares (13 badly. This especially refers to some was confirmed. This was important because variabilis - is bright green underneath. acres) has limited possibilities. Therefore, conifers, which grow well when young. As our Arboretum is visited not only by Q. alba, the common American white we have to make use of every inch. soon as they are around 50 years old, some botanists and dendrologists, but also by oak, native from eastern Canada to Florida. Specializing is essential under such circum­ of them get thin and leggy. We cut them out many Rotterdam residents looking for a The name alba refers to the white bark. In stances, not only in species, but also from a and replace them with younger ones. Abies nice, quiet place to relax from the turmoil of Europe this species does not grow to the size selected species-only the interesting and and Picea in our climate and in our the city, with its harbors, industry, oil it reaches in America, where 40 m tall is not nice trees are kept. Moreover, our principle is Arboretum generally have to be replaced refineries, etc. They all enjoy the blessing of unusual. In autumn the deeply lobed leaves that the trees must grow in aesthetically after such a term, and specialists have this oasis of green. color from red to purple-red. Acorns justified circumstances. This means that we advised that the reason is that our climate In 1991 we had 45 ,000 visitors, and for impmted from America are often infested do not plant too does not give them enough rest in winter 1992 four gardening groups from the USA with worms, and all acorns with round holes closely, and that (they need lower already are booked for guided tours. should be destroyed immediately. It seems we do not plant temperatures likely that some selection done with seed similar trees then) and in The Genus Quercus in Arboretum from the wild or with seed from one of the next to each summer, in dry Trompenburg few European trees will result in a good other. Asked by periods, our air In the Arboretum Trompenburg and in cultivar. The wood is of the same good visitors what is lacks the mois­ the nursery we grow 93 species and 84 quality as our common oak. our system of ture they always cultivars of Quercus, and we hold the Dutch Q. aliena var. acuteserrata from China, management, I have in the reference collection. We also grow oaks of Korea and Japan has toothed leaves of 15-20 always answer mountains. minor interest. However, having at our em. It is a deciduous but smaller tree. that my system Pinus and disposal only 5 hectares, we are obliged to Q. bicolor from eastern North America. It is having no Junip e rus , specialize. We do not grow many of the is a large tree with leaves grey beneath, and system, but I however, do not common forms of Quercus robur and can be recognized by the many dead young suffer at all. 1' Quercus petraea. I simply have to select (for have four Photo by JRP van Hoey Smith shoots which form in the crown and by its Moreover, lack of space) in a very personal way and guidelines: A general view of Arboretum Trompenburg, near the go/fish pond. 1. I mix, as just after the elm with a personal taste, which is of course very contd. on pg. 26

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Arboretum Trompenburg However, the clone we usually grow is very against the dark brown of other leaves. The • • • nice, and makes such a good tree that further acorns are bl ack with yellow stripes. selections seem a waste of energy. Q. imbricaria, also from the eastern USA, contd. from pg . 25 Q. garryana from northwestern North is another favorite of mine. I planted a America, especially Oregon, is of medium specimen when I was 17, in 1939, and now it bark peeling off like that of a birch. imported scions and grafted them on Q. size with a short, stout trunk and a wide­ is already a large tree of 18 m tall and the Q. castaneifolia from Caucasus and Persia robur, again with no success. The following spreading crown. The leaves are shiny dark trunk has a diameter of 60 em at 1.7 m. The has buds like those of Q. cerris, with long year we tried Q. dentata seedlings for green above and deeply cut into oblong leaves are entire, narrow, oval and dark narrow scales. The leaves are larger, with understock - still no success!. The next lobes. This beautiful oak, which with Q. alba green. Although Hillier says that it has rich sharp pointed teeth. Like Q. cerris, it grows year, we tried Q. pontica seedlings, again belongs to the white oak group, should be autumn colors, this has not been our very well in chalky soil. It is difficult to find a with no success. We nearly did not dare to planted much more frequently and grown experience. It produces many good acorns, true specimen for sale at nurseries. ask our American friends for more scions. from seed. Will nurserymen please see to it which come fairly true. I can recommend Q. cerris from southern Europe and Finally, grafts on seedling Q. macranthera that it becomes more readily available? this tree for every purpose. Q. glandulifera (syn. Q. serrata Thunb., Q. libani, in its native habitat in Syria and Turkey is a large tree and grows quickly in all and Q. 'Macon' F2 seedlings were success­ soils. It is very wind resistant. The leaves are ful, and we now await to see which will prove not to be confused with Q. serrata Blume, Turkey, is a medium-size tree. With us it quite variable, and the large acorns have cups to be the best stock. After five years of syn. Q. acutissima Carruth.) from Japan, makes only a very large shrub. Its small, with long scales. The reason why this tree is experimenting, we now have only three one­ Korea and China is one of the oaks from serrate, narrow leaves are as conspicuous as never used in forestry is that the trunk easily year-old grafts. which in 1951 acorns were collected in Kew, the large acorns. At Trompenburg it splits in winter, which limits its timber value. Q. falcata, from seeds received from the and one grew at Trompenburg into a hybridized with Q. cerris, and all those Its cultivar 'Variegata' is a small tree with eastern USA. In 1959, we selected a beautiful large tree. The leaves are small with hybrids are named Q. xlibanerris. One of creamy white leaf margins. specimen with the typical leaf with two long gland-tipped teeth. them I will discuss later in the hybrid section Q. coccifera from the Mediterranean is a pointed lobes. It moreover has a good Q. ilex from the Mediterranean region of this article. slow-growing, dense evergreen shrub. The conical habit, but has not the red autumn grows in England into a large tree. In central Q. macranthera from the Caucasus and small leaves are very prickly, but in Turkey color of many other red oaks. It is Europe it is generally only a large shrub. This northern Persia is a fast growing medium to and Morocco they are an important food for astonishing that in their native habitat red evergreen tree with leaves like flex is not large tree. It can be recognized easily by its goats. In those countries whole areas are oaks do not hybridize more, although they generally hardy here, but when grown from stout one-year shoots clothed with a yellow­ covered by this oak and after having been grow together in the wild. Occasionally, acorns collected from certain trees in a brown velvety tomentum. The young bark eaten down every year, they show a great however, they do, and in the Monographie London park, those will be hardy. Either can be grey with long wide plates and only a variety of topiary shapes. Plants grown from des Chenes of the French professor Camus those trees, already introduced in the l6'h few furrows. This robust tree has an seed collected in cool areas are more hardy. one finds many hybrids. We have Q. Century, are from a hardier ecotype, or they interesting, dense, compact appearance. Q. dentata from Japan, Korea and China xsubfalcata (Q. phellos X Q. falcata) or Q. have adapted themselves to colder weather. Q. marilandica from the eastern USA is a makes a small tree here, with remarkable ludoviciana (Q. pagoda X Q. phellos), but In England this tree is called Holm Oak. It is small, slow growing tree of spreading habit. large leaves, sometimes 30 em long and 18 why is the hardiness insufficient here? found in nearly every park and large garden, The dark green glossy leaves are triangular em wide. They often remain on the tree until Q. frainetto as seen in the wild has leaves and it should be planted widely both on the and tawny yellow beneath. The clone from next spring. Our specimen has very small, which are quite variable, from something European Continent and in the milder parts local nurseries is a selection with really round acorns of 1 em diameter and it fruits resembling those of Q. petraea to those of of America. magnificent leaves, which justify its planting abundantly. The young shoots are yellow­ our Q. frainetto obtained from nurseries. Q. ilicifolia from the eastern USA is a in the garden. brown and downy. It is one of my favorites. Our specimen is a beautiful, double-lobed spreading shrub. In the Arboretum Tervueren Q. mongolica var. grosseserrata from From America came a cultivar with deeply selected clone which should have a cultivar near Brussels, it borders groups of large Japan, together with Q. aliena var. cut leaves. They arrived grafted on Q. name and is always propagated vegetatively. J trees. The leaves of this red oak, although not acuteserrata, suffers with us from die-back macrocarpa stock. In the next year, the Some years it produces acorns abundantly, coloring well in autumn, are white-felted of young branches (as do several other East stock threw off the scion. Two other and perhaps one could make selections with ' beneath. They persist in the winter, and many importations did exactly the same. Then we still more deeply cut double-lobed leaves. leaves then turn and show their white side contd. on pg. 28

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deeply cut, lobed leaves are pubescent on Kew acorns and our present crop comes true Arboretum Trompenburg • • • both sides. In nurseries generally the cultivar from seed for 50 per cent. 'Pendula' is sold, and the normal-growing 'Fastigiata' is well known although not contd. from pg. 27 species is very rare. llike it so much because always grafted from a good specimen. of the leaves. Therefore, more selection work is needed, so Q. robur is too common here to give that only first class material becomes Asiatic species). They are very similar and petraea is elegant. Several cultivars are much attention. However, it has many available. have large and wide serrate leaves. Although available, including the following: cultivars, of which I would recommend the 'Pectinata' only reaches large shrub size. both are said to be medium size trees, at 'Mespilifolia' can reach a large size and following: The leaves are very deeply cut with long, Trompenburg it looks as if at maturity they has narrow, 15-20 em, nearly entire, dark, 'Atropurpurea' is a very slow-growing narrow, pointed lobes. We tried 1000 acorns will reach a considerable size. glossy green leaves. It is a solitary beauty in purple-leaved oak, mostly not larger than a and not one came true. Q. myrsinifolia from China and Japan is a a park. shrub and suitable for small gardens. 'Pendula' has drooping branches but beautiful, small, compact, densely branched 'Laciniata Crispa' is most interesting. The 'Concordia' generally also remains a grows to a large size. It is very suitable to evergreen tree. The shining leaves are leaves of the first flush are long and very yellow shrub, but I have seen larger fruiting train over a pergola . lanceolate, green above and grey beneath. narrow, like threads. The second flush has specimens in eastern Europe. From seed of 'Salicifolia' is a very interesting oak. Although said to be tender, it has survived more or less normal leaves. Consequently, one of these, the Arboretum Trompenburg Hillier assigns it to Q. petraea because of the the last three severe winters undamaged. changing with the season, it is more peculiar has a promising normal-growing specimen. petioles of the leaves. The very small acorns, Q. palustris from eastern North America than beautiful. 'Cristata' has deeply lobed, folded and grows there in wet conditions. My experi­ Q. phellos, the willow oak from the curled leaves. Our specimens are from 1951 contd. on pg. 30 ence is that it grows best in dry places here southeastern USA, is a large tree with small, and even in a street it is a success. The deeply entire, willow-like leaves. It is a striking tree cut, pointed leaves are very similar to those with a good shape. of Q. coccinea but they are smaller, and Q. phillyreoides is the eastern Asiatic sometimes the autumn color is as good. counterpart of Q. ilex, and is hardier. It Unlike Q. rubra and Q. coccinea, this tree grows into a very large shrub. The leaves of does not make large limbs but grows into a this evergreen are oval, leathery bronze­ columnar trunk with many smaller side green with minute teeth. It should always be branches. Also, the many dead small planted in groups to get acorns, since cross branches in the crown, which an very pollination is required. This oak is ideal persistent, are a help in its recognition. where an evergreen shrub is required. Q. petraea has its habitat in all of Europe Q. pon.tica from Armenia, Caucasus and and Turkey. It grows more upright than Q. northeastern Turkey generally grows as a robur and the bark is less furrowed. Unlike large shrub and can in 20 years reach 6 m tall Q. robur, the leaves have I em petioles, the and 6 m wide. The large leaves are very vein is yellow, the fruits are sessile and the similar to those of Castanea sativa, but buds are pointed. Owing to the typically wider. The large, sessile acorns fall early in taller trunk, the timber is more valuable than September, and the shrubs start fruiting that of Q. robur and is often used for when I m tall. This plant grown by itself in a plywood. In forestry, especially in Ger­ lawn, as in Trompenburg, is quite a sight. many, Q. petraea is grown mostly in Grafting is difficult, and from seed it grows mountainous areas, and the famous Spessard very slowly. It is one of my most beloved Oaks are all Q. petraea. Even standing alone, treasures. ©Guy & Edith Sternberg this species never has the wide-spreading Q. pyrenaica grows wild in southwestern The famous old specimen of the shrubby oak species Quercus pontica at Arboretum Trompenburg. habit of Q. robur-Q. robur is robust, Q. Europe and Italy to a medium-size tree. The

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Arboretum Trompenburg ... hundreds of hybrids are described, but these Q. 'Macon' (Q. macranthera x Q. are mostly of little horticultural interest and frainetto) also originates from Trompenburg. not available anywhere. It's name is derived from the parent Q. contd. from pg. 29 Q. xhispanica comprises a group of macranthera and an old name (Q. conferta) seedling hybrids of Q. ce1-ris and Q. suber. for the other parent, Q. frainetto. The leaves however, have very long peduncles. The and Japan has serrate leaves similar to those These species hybridize very easily, and the are similar to those of Q. frainetto, but the leaves on some young trees still have some of Q. acutissima, but they are white beneath. seedlings are variable. The leaves vary from indumentum of the young shoots and the lobes, but mature trees have only entire The bark is corky and is very beautiful when resembling either parent to every thinkable buds is identical to that of Q. macranthera. leaves. From seed it comes true nearly 100 mature, as seen at Kew. The hardiness is a intermediate form, and the bark does the The acorns are 3-4 em long and only 0.5-0.8 per cent. Its origin is not known. It was problem here, and consequently the origin of same. The second generation seedlings (F) em wide. It makes a beautiful tree. known in Germany in 1873 and I doubt the seed is very important. Acorns from are even more variable. Out of an enormous Q. xrosacea 'Columna' is the hybrid of Q. whether it grows Eastwood Hill in New Zealand produced number of hybrids, some have been given petraea 'Muscaviensis' and Q. robur anywhere else in seedlings, which freeze down to the ground cultivar names, and these should be 'Fastigiata'. It commonly is referred to as a the wild. I would every year. A plant from acorns collected at propagated vegetatively. From Q. suber all cultivar of Q. petraea. When young, the not object if it is high altitude on Mount Omei, China, is doing inherit the evergreen leaves and sometimes habit is good, but it starts broadening after 15 given species very well. the corky bark. From Q. cerris originates the years. At Trompenburg it has fruited rank. Q. warburgii (syn. Q. 'Warburgii' of the large size. Best known, since 1763, is abundantly, and progeny Mendel back to the Q. rubra is 1998 World Checklist and Bibliography of 'Lucombeana', a large tree. 'Diversifolia' parents. But among them we found two with too common to Fagales by Govaerts & Frodin) is of has very peculiar leaves, and 'Ambroziana' a better, compact fastigiate shape. The first, · warrant com­ uncertain origin. The only original tree is originates from Mlylany, the estate of Count 'Westcolumn', has leaves like those of the F, ment, but it has growing in the Botanical Garden at Ambrozy in Czechoslovakia. hybrid parent, is 8 m tall and 60 em wide. The one outstanding Cambridge, England, and I doubt very much Q. xleana is the cross of Q. imbricaria X Q. other, 'Eastcolumn', is the same size, but has cultivar, Q. whether it is a species or hybrid. Seedlings velutina. The leaves are long and lanceolate only a single leader on top and much smaller rubra 'Aurea'. could solve that problem, but at Cambridge like those of Q. imbricaria, but with a few leaves, thus the first impression is better. It was found in the acorns are always collected by birds and pointed lobes. They are leathery like those of Q. 'Pondaim' (Q. pontica x Q. dentata) at Photo by JRP van Hoey Smith 1878 in Holland squiiTels before ripening. My young graft Q. velutina. The latter property helps Trompenburg appeared as a chance seedling among seedlings, had some good acorns two years ago, but Quercus robur 'Pectinata.' di stinguish it from Q. Xruncinata (Q. where the parents grow near each other. It is and comes true most of the seedlings at one year old look imbricaria x Q. rubra) and Q. xheterophylla intermediate between the parents. The leaves from seed for a good percentage. Planted very uniform and very similar to Q. robur. I (Q. phellos x Q. rubra), which have similar, are very large, like those of Q. dentata, but against a dark background oflarge conifers, it did find two seedlings which lead me to but thin, leaves. serrate like those of Q. pontica, and the can make a marvelous sight. suspect the parentage to be Q. robur (or Q. Q. xlibanerris, mentioned previously, is growth and size are that of Q. dentata. It Q. sadleriana from Oregon and California petraea) xQ. rugosa (syn. Q. reticulata), an the cross of Q. libani X Q. cerris. It originates keeps its leaves in winter. It is a very is sometimes creeping, but can in the wild evergreen oak from Mexico. They will have from the Arboretum Trompenburg. The remarkable tree indeed. reach a height of2 m. It has leaves like those of to be examined for several more years before leaves are intermediate between those of the Q. Xturneri 'Pseudoturneri' (Q. ilex x Q. Q. pontica but smaller, on stout branches. It is any conclusion can be drawn. It is a semi­ parents, but it has the vigor and size of Q. robur) was the only evergreen oak available fully hardy here and one of the smallest oaks. evergreen tree, and when just out, the leaves cerris. The first seedling was named in Dutch nurseries at the time we obtained it, Q. trojana (syn. Q. macedonica) is very are a beautiful pink and have petioles like 'Trompenburg'. Later, a seedling appeared listed under the old name Q. austriaca var. similar to Q. libani. It grows in the Balkans those of Q. petraea. with the same good growth but serrate leaves sempervirens. It can grow to a medium size, and in Turkey. The small leaves, however, This article would not be complete exactly the size of those of Q. libani and but is very wide. The green leaves fall in are glossy dark green and they remain in without mentioning some other hybrids as acorns even larger than those of Q. libani. spring when the buds open. It originated in brown color on the tree all winter. That well. I shall restrict myself to those which I This outstanding cultivar I named the nursery of Mr. Turner of Essex, England, accounts for its very compact impression. have found interesting to grow. In the 'Rotterdam'. The vigorous narrow habit Q. variabilis from China, Korea, Formosa Monographie des Chenes of Camus many makes it very suitable for street planting. contd. on pg. 32

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Arboretum Trompenburg • • • The Genus Quercus contd. from pg. 31 in the late 18th Century. It is troubles and have more time the hardiest of all evergreen to travel and collect for the in Romania oaks we have tried, even arboretum. I also am prepar­ when in a severe winter it ing a history of the arbore­ drops its leaves only at very tum, which will be published low temperatures. in English as well as Dutch. by Dr. ing. Stelian Radu You are most welcome to Arboretum and Forest Research Sta­ EPILOGUE, 1999: This visit this very active, living tion Simeria, Romania article, written 8 years ago, is garden, and see for yuurself! for the most part still valid. JRPVHS, 9 February 1999 The number of species in even species of oaks, belonging to the _subgenus Quercus (syn. our collections has increased Editor's note: James Rich­ Leptdobalanus End!. & Oerst.) m sectiOns Cerris and Quercus considerably; the seeds ob­ ard Pennington van Hoey Smith Sare found growing spontaneously in Romania. In addition, tained via the Second Inter­ (Dick Smith to his many many authorities segregate the sessile oak Quercus petraea national Oak Conference in friends), one of our original (Mattuschka) Liebl. into California added 20 more members, is the only surviving three species (including species! A more laciniate ©Guy & Edith Sternberg founding member of the Inter­ Q. dalechampii Ten. national Dendrology Society. and Q. polycarpa Schur. form of Q.frainetto now has J.R.P. van Hoey Sm ith with his se­ He follows a family tradition lections of Quercus xrosacea, plus the typical Q. been selected from seedlings of Jive generations as the 'Westcolumn ' (left) and and awaits a good cultivar petraea), all of which 'Eastcolumn ' (right). current Director of the fa­ name. A sprinkler system mous Arboretum are found in Romania. has been built; the greenhouse will be Trompenburg, built over the ruins of the estate The oaks cover roughly doubled to house a large and old collection of of Honigen Castle in Rotterdam. In July of 19 percent of our for­ cacti; and some adjoining parcels have been /999 he will be honored at the 75'" ested land. Another 20 anniversary symposium of the Dutch Dendrol­ added. exotic oaks have been ogy Society for his 40 years on the board of I also turned over ownership of Arboretum introduced, and are cul­ ©Guy & Edith Sternberg the Arboretum Foundation (see announce­ tivated in forests and Trompenburg to another foundation to avoid melll on on inside back tearout page). Dick Quercus petraea foliage in Kizit Woods, Hunedoara Forest, Romania. death taxes and safeguard its continuation. has assembled a world-famous collection of parks. Now the arboretum depends no more upon tree photographs, contributing the illustra­ Due to their silvicul- my being alive, and the foundation guaran­ tions for several fine tree books, and he tural importance, the Romanian native oaks have been studied tees its financial survival. We have a new presented a beautiful slide program at our thoroughly during the past 50 years from different points of view: curator, Mr. Gert Fortgens, who is very Second Triennial Conference in California in botanical, ecological, genetic, typological, edaphic, and mensurational. 1997. He also has been actively involved with knowledgeable and whom some Interna­ Diseases and pest control also have been studied, as have the the Oak Open Days events organized by our properties and uses of the wood. The great diversity of sites and tional Oak Society members might know European members. from many lectures in the United States. compositions of stands formed by these species is well reflected in Our family remains very interested and existing classifications. Romanian oak forests were studied and have involved, and holds two seats on the board, but I have relief from daily management contd. on pg. 34

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able to locate seed crops for these species. Hill in the picturesque Western Transylvania Genus Quercus in Romania ... We organize the collection and dispatching region of Romania. through the post (with necessary documents contd . from pg . 33 of provenance and phytosanitary certificates) of some small quantities of acorns, in been described as comprising 141 forest exchange for North American or Asiatic contd. on pg . 36 types (Purcelean & Pascovschi, 1968) and forest and amenity tree I 04 site types (Chirita & Stanescu, 1990). seeds. A catalog of Abundant Romanian literature is avail­ seeds and plants for able on these topics. For a short and general exchange is published note, addressed to the International Oak annually by our re­ Society members, we have tried to compile search station. Special some basic data. The nomenclature, occur­ requests must he di­ rence, soil requirements and uses of rected in advance to: Romani an oaks are sum marized in the Forest Research Station accompanying table (see revised table on & Arboretum, str. page 34). Biscaria l, R-2625 Producing high quality wood, the oak Simeria, Jud. forests exert productive climatic, hydrologi­ Hunedoara, Romania. cal, and erosion control functions. But during the centuries, the natural oak forests Editor's note: Dr. Radu, endured a strong anthropic pressure. one of our founding Deforestation, application of coppice sys­ members, was a fea­ tems, abusive forest pasturing, and the tured speaker at our Photo by Dr. ing. Stelion Rodu .first conference at The effects of air pollution and acid rains, Mature specimens of Quercus petraea in Romania. Morton Arboretum in coupled with natural pressures from pro­ Illinois during October longed and frequent droughts and defolia­ sement (dieback) of oaks, frequently re­ of 1994 and also pre­ tion by insects, combined to weaken some corded in Europe during recent decades, is noted also in Romania, particularly in pared a presentation oak ecosystems. The so-called deperis- for the following con­ European (Q. robur) and ference in 1997 in sessile (Q. petraea) oaks and California. He has re­ sometimes in other species. tired as the Director of Oak forests are sub­ Arboretum and Re­ jected to sophisticated search Station Simeria sylvicultural systems, rely­ since this article was ing on natural regeneration. published in our inau­ But seed crops, unfortu­ gural issue. He remains nately, are rare, particularly an active (life) member in the last few decades. For of the International Oak the purpose of scientific Society, corresponding cooperation and exchange of ji·om his historic family biological materials, our re­ home at the base of the €>Guy & Edith Sternberg Photo by Th ierry Lamont ancient Deva Citadel Quercus petraea in Kizit Woods, Hun edoara Fares/, Romania. Twig and bud of Quercus cerris. search station occasionally is

Page 34 No.1 Republication I March 1999 No.1 Republication I March 1999 Page 35 Species Varletle•, Range Habitat ill Mature Hgt Soil, Moisture Timber Remarks Sab•pecle• (general) Romania (feet) Requirements Value Q. petraea (Mat!. ) ss p. petraea Euro pe Hills and 100 Mode rately acidic, G ood, often Variable, wi th Liebl. ssp. polycarpa Schur. Carp, Balk, Cauc pi edmonts in ( 130) rich or poor, dry- remarkable many forms Sessile oak ssp. da/echampii Ten. Carp, Balk, Alps pure and mixed mesic, coarse, well and cultivars (Q. sessilijlora Salis!.) (often given separate stands drained (Q. sessilis Ehrh.) species status)

Q. robur L. var. tardijlora Czern Europe Plains and 13 0 Neutral to acidic, Good, often Variable, with -l Engli sh oak var praecox Czern hills in pure ( 165) rich or poor, dry to remarkable more than I 00 )> 1:0 (Q. pedtmculata Ehrh.) (many other ecotypes and mixed moist, deep, sandy to cultivars l' and variations) sta nds loamy rn

Q. cet-ris L. (significant clinal Medite rranean Forest steppe, 100 Acidic, ri ch or poor, Good to Seve ral :- Turkish oak variation in foliage) hill s in pure and ( 130) dry to xeric, sandy to medium (trees cultivars, but C/.l c:: ~ mi xed stands compact clay with whi te seldom 3:: heartwood cultivated in 3:: ~ better than Romania - does )> ;:l those with not cross wi th :::0 ~ red) other Romanian ><: cs·""" oaks 0 'Tl 2 Q. frain etto Ten. Balkan Forest steppe, 13 0 Acidic, ri ch or poor, G ood Ve ry :::0 Hungarian oak hills generall y dry to xeri c, sandy to decorative 0 - (Q. conferta Kit.) in mixed stands compact clay 3:: ~ )> ~ Q. peduncu/if/ora C. var. pedunculif lo ra Po nti c Forest steppe 13 0 Neutral ri ch, dry, Goo d Subthe rmi c z Koch Schu z. (around Black Sea) in pure and medium coarse, loose species. seldom ;; Grey oak var. virescens C. Koch mixed stands cultivated z 0 Q. pubescens Willd. A vari able species Medite rra nean Forest steppe, 15-50 (65) Neutral to alkaline Not used Subthe rmic )> Pubescent oak throughout much of its hills in open calcic, medium-rich, significantly species ;:>::: (Q. lanuginosa Thuill.) range stands, xeri c, sandy to clay in Romania C/.l sometimes shrubby

Q. virgiliana Te n. Medite rranean Forest ste ppe, 65 Neutral to alkaline, Not used Subthermic to hills in open medium-rich, mediu m- significantly thermic species stands, dry, sandy to clay in Romania sometimes loam shrubby

< ~ =i'~:e o-:;.-lg Zi3 3 ~~ i3 §-g-g ::r: ::s ~ So'Tl-l ~;t - · 0 8 ()Q A )> ~~a~~-i~a ~ ~~Srn3~ ~o (tl ~ :r 00 ~a 3 0 ~ - .....,. o-: C1> 0> 3 ~ A ~fD ~ ~ ~ ~ (ii cr-5:; en~ go 3 ::r~ ~ 0 -· "0 n ~ nO>·~ oO>~~en~-·OQo.~On~ ~ ~ A o ~A -, o R rn c: 0 0 ~ .. > en s· 0 ~ - 0 .....,. ::r ;. :=: '""I ~ .....,. (1) (1) ~ ~ c: • ~ ~ ::s c ;a (1) CJ3_. ~ ~ ()Q ~3~So~~g~~~~A~~-o~a~~ £' (D ~ >< -· :::! . ::r ~~~A~o~oo~ ~ ~~o n -· n en (!1 -t'l ;;rn ~ A ~ ~ §'g-g. -· 0 0 '-< (1) 0.. < "'0 -· ;::::~: :;- 0 ~ ~ 0.. ~ :::;· 0.: ~~~~~:;.o~g~~A~~~n~o~ · -"' en "'S 0 3 @" v;· a· a ~ ~ 3 9._ ~ A ~ en' ~ 0 -:_ 3 ;" § en Ui' a 0 ] 5- tTJ 3 ~· ~ ~ ~ 6 ~ Q ~ ::::3 5. N Q (ii g- ::; r:.n :r - · - A I'D- ~IS n (1) (/} §. ?6 .0 ~. '"+l 0. ~ rfo :;· f!:. ~ ~ £ ~ ~ en ~ c;; · ~ g §'" - 0" 2 0 >< 0 g o. c ~ a ~ ;. :::::-: g ~ .....,. o (1) ~ ~ ~· ~ ""1 ~ ~ ~ I'D <-< •• A o:::::-3 •••• ~ 3 i5 t:: 3 ~· 0.. n ~ ~ en en f!:. ""1 .....,. ~ ~ C'tl (1) ~ .. :::::!". 0,; 3 = "0 ~ ~ ~AA ~~ = ....,N 0,;,_. . ;::,"0 =-: ~~ 00 ~ n "' ::s :r en (1) 0 0 ~ :S. (1) 3 ~ ~. ~ S" 0 ::S (JQ 3 3 0 =-< :;:: ~- 0 A A ~ I'D ~~ en "'0 <'! (1) 0.. ~ @ ~ §:; 0 ~ ~ ~ g. --.. ~· g ~ ~ ~ ~ 9-: .g ~ g r! 3 ~ en 0.. - · ::::::..: £ Cl'l A 0 UJ .....,. () :- 0.. ;:5 0.. r.n (J~ '"1'l ri ~ ~ = ~ A I'D 0: ~ 5" '-< ~· en (1) Q. ~ ~ ~ ~()Q ;: ,: ~ 0=­ 0 ~ A A ~-· i, 3 ~ .., 0 ~ ~~~g. ~ '"I ~ (];:: :; -~ · 0 =i '":+I I'D 0 -· ~ 0 ~ fD ~ ~ .g 0 .., ~ ~ c: 0 3 a A ~ r') 0 ~ -l !:?. ~ - ~ ~ =-1""1 §~ ~ :::!. :; = 0 ~A (t) :::: . ~ I'D a: 3 A y> ~ ~ ,0 c. ~ ~ :;· "' )> • ~ ~ ~ p;-~ !::- 0 ~ A ~ ?: §.l - -· 3 ::1 A - (ll (';) s= g;(!Qgo ~~ a A A~~ ~ ~ ~ 0 ~ () "0 "0 ...., -"' = :;:: "0 ~ ;g c: (1) ~ ~ ~ 0~ 0~ - :::::::;45.::::::: g ~ (IJ t: t: ~ E. '" ~ 0 -· 0 00 {;j us ~ en '"+l :::::l '"+l a a 8 fli International Oaks International Oaks

xandegavensis Hy; and with Q. English Oak in France • • • petraea Liebl. to form Q. Xrosacea Bechst. Of the many hybrids grown contd. from pg. 37 in cultivation, we especially note the handsome small tree called Q. contribute effectively to the replacement sought for framing because it is very tough Xhickellii A. Camus (syn. Q. stand. It is used as a reserve of copse because and resistant to insect damage. 'Hickelii'), a hybrid with Q. pontica In France, many areas have mixed forests K.Koch .. of oaks and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and The two most common and most some old oak plantations eventually may be easily confused oak species in eliminated by natural succession to the more France, and throughout much of shade-tolerant beech. Acorns (glands in Europe, are the English oak and the French) often are abundantly produced by durmast oak. They may be distin­ big trees, and are eaten by rodents, wild boar, guished as shown in the accompa­ and some species of birds (e.g. jays). nying chart (this page): The English oak is able to live for several centuries. There is a variety of English oak Editor's note: Stephane Brame is found in the eastern part of France (Q. robur one of our original members, and is known to many of us due to his var. tardissima Mathieu & Fliche) called the generosity in collecting and ex­ June oak because it unfolds its leaves about a changing seed. He owns Arboretum month later than the type and therefore is not le Moulin Giraudeix in beautiful injured by spring frosts. Many other forms Correze, France, and lives near and cultivars may be seen in botanic Paris. He had prepared this collections, and I think some of the most information about Quercus robur, striking are: the type species of the genus • Q. robur ' V ariegata', having leaves Quercus, for the first issue of what was to become the journal Interna­ variegated with white; Foret de chenes (Forest ofoaks)ji·om an old engraving in the tional Oaks, and we feature it now as • Q. robur 'Concordia', with bright yellow collection of th e Centre de documentation el d'information de our cover for this commemorative Ia Societe natio11ale d 'horticuliure de France. Quercus robur twig with peduncle and acorns leaves; issue. The original from A History of British Forest-Trees, • Q. robur 'Asplenifolia', with pinnatifid artwork of Q. robur reproduced especially Oak Indigenous and Introduced. Prideaux Jolm leaves; and English Oak Durmast Selby, FL.S. , M,WS., etc., London, 1842. for this cover was (Q.robur) (Q.petraea) • Q. robur ' Fastigiata', the popular cypress painted and furnished Shapea Generally irregular, with Shapes Less irregular, with a oak with columnar form. courtesy of Michel curving branches differentiated crown it makes an excellent fuel wood. Angeard, another Leav- With distinct petioles 1-2 Old specimens isolated along roads or in English oak will hybridize in nature with French member ofthe Leavaa With very short petioles or open pastures typically have stout, short International Oak So­ sessile; lobes becoming larger near em long; lobes largesl near lhe almost all the other oak species growing in middle of the blade; no auricular trunks and broad, rounded crowns. Trees ciety. Historic illus­ the distal end of the blade; rounded thi s area. For example, it crosses with Q. auricular lobes at the base; dark green lobes at th e base; shiny green, often trations were pro­ grown in forest competition develop longer lanuginosa (Lam.) Thuill (syn. Q. pubescens and sometimes glaucous; not bright somewhat leathery vided as duplicates by trunks, but they are less common in such Willd. subsp. pubescens) to form Q. nor leathery habitats then our other common oak, Q. the library of Starhill Acoram More globular; borne on xsemilanuginosa (syn. Q. xkerneri Simonk. Acornm Ovoid-cylindrical; borne petraea Liebl., which is more adapted here Forest, Petersburg, IL­ very short peduncles or sessil e nothosubsp. kerneri); with Q. toza Gillet ex linois USA, from the on peduncles up to several em in to the forest environment. The wood is length Bose (syn. Q. pyrenaica Willd.) to form Q. original sources cited.

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other hand, black oak acorns often respond display its characteristic bark and growth favorably to a period of cold stratification with form as well as the cycle and quality of mast, rapid germination. the acorn crop. California Native Oaks: Seedling oaks are temporary. Huge popula­ The life of a tree can be divided into three tions of seedlings come and go following good stages: young, mature and declining. Young seed crops. Seedlings suc­ Past and Present cumb to a variety of problems including drought, herbivory (both above­ and below-ground) and fire. Although physiologi­ by James R. Griffin and Pamela C. Muick call y equipped to sprout University of California at Berkeley, USA after above-ground dam­ age, very few seedlings survive and grow to the he fossi l record indicates that oaks have been in California for at next stage of maturity, the least the past ten million years. Relat1ves of most of the Cahforn1a short sapling stage. T oaks have been found in late Miocene sediments deposited five Short sapling oaks have to thirteen million years ago. an increased likelihood to There are approximately sixty species of oaks in the United States, survive to adulthood. Short and an estimated three hundred worldwide, primarily in the Northern saplings, under four and Hemisphere. Ten tree and eight shrub species of Quercus grow in one-half feet in height, California. California species fall into three different subgenera: the have a woody stem and a Photo by David Cavagnaro white oaks, Lepidobalanus (now Section or Subgenus Quercus); the well-developed root sys- Huck/eben yoak (Quercus vacciniifolia). intermediate oaks, Protobalanus; and the black oaks, E1y throbalanus tem which serves as a (also known as Section Lobatae of Subgenus Quercus). The prefix reservoir of energy. Short saplings sprout trees usually have a strong ability to sprout Erythro is derived from the Greek word for red. Generally, taxonomists readily after injuries from fire, drought or from the base after injury. Mature trees may and foresters refer to the Erythrobalanus group as red oaks. However, in browsing, and may be kept in a hedged sprout from the stumps of broken branches. California and the northeastern United States, this group is known as condition for decades. Only after the sapling's However, the ability of mature trees to sprout black oaks. The local usage probably arises from Q. kelloggii (California leader reaches above the deer browse line does from the stump is more variable. For instance, black oak), a species in the Erythrobalanus that is physically similar to the sapling proceed to the next level of blue oak (Q. douglasii) and Garry or Oregon the red oaks in the eastern part of the United States. Hybridization, which maturity, the tall sapling stage. oak (Q. garryana) appear to stump sprout well is naturally restricted to crosses within a subgenus, has result in eleven Tall saplings, greater than four and one-half to mid-size classes, while valley oak (Q. named hybrids and ten unnamed hybrids. feet (above the browse line), gain height and lobata) loses this ability earlier. The black and girth rapidly. At this stage, after top death due intermediate oaks, as well as most of the shrub Oak life cycle to burning, they may regain their previous species, sprout vigorously after fire. Oaks are monoecious, bearing male catkins and female flowers upon stature within a few years. Saplings gain height Disease plays a large part in the life of the the same individual plant. Flowers are wind pollinated, and acorns before adding girth, and then develop into the adult oak. To quote the British ecologist M. J. mature in either one- or two-year cycles. The acorns of the white oaks next stage of maturity, young trees. Penistan, in his paraphrase of Dryden: "The characteristically mature in the fall of the same year the flowers Tree status can be considered the beginning monarch oak, the Patriarch of trees, springs bloomed. In contrast, most of the black oaks exhibit delayed ferti li zation of the productive stage of an oak's life. rising up, then spreads by slow degrees; one similar to some of the pines; acorns mature in fall of the second year. Although timing and triggering mechanisms hundred years he grows, one more he stays Cali fornia white oak acorns do not require a period of dormancy and for sexual maturity are unclear, root and shoot supreme in state, then in one more decays." generally germinate in the fall or winter after dropping. In fact, emerging mass, as well as vigor and crown position, are roots are visible on some blue oak acorns while still on the tree. On the components. As an oak matures, it begins to contd. on pg . 42

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California Native Oaks . bers of gold miners also • • had a lasting and negative effect on California oaks. contd. from pg. 41 Sonora and Auburn are two classic examples of foothill sixty-seven different types of oak habitat. oak woodland gold-mining Wildlife and oak habitats Oaks dominate or co-dominate in twenty-five communities. The Gold During their long history in California, oaks natural plant communities, and are character­ Rush also adversely af­ have evolved strong interrelationships with istic members of forty-three others. fected the Central Valley wildlife. Today, an estimated 5000 species of oak savannas where agri­ insects use oaks, and 1000 are dependent upon Humans and oaks culture rapidly developed oaks. Approximately 170 species of birds use California's human history is inextricably to support the growing oaks at some point in their life cycle. Fifty­ interwoven with its landscape and vegetation. population of gold miners. eight species of li zards, snakes and amphibians Over millennia, native Californians developed Even some mining ven­ are associated with oak habitats. One hundred many uses for oaks. Acorns were a major item tures well up into the Photo by David Cavagnaro five species of mammals, including most of the in their diet; acorns were also important for the conifer forests seriously game species in the state, use the oak resource. animals they used for food. Many native affected the Central Valley CoasT live oak (Quercus agrifolia). Interactions between diseases, wildlife American cultures acknowledged their depen­ riparian oak forests. For (including feral hogs), and introduced annual dence upon oaks through ritual and legend. example, massive hydraulic mines above Before we enter the next century, Californians plants are avenues of research being explored The near extinction of these indigenous Nevada City led to long-term flooding should critically evaluate the role of oaks in by contemporary researchers. However, peoples from their ancestral oak populations problems in the lower Sacramento Valley. modern society and how these ancestral research efforts are uneven across the species marked a loss of a sophisticated understanding Siltation from the Malakoff Diggings and landscapes can be preserved amid rapid in the state. about oak stewardship. Today we cannot fully associated placer mines raised the Yuba River population growth and land speculation. Approximately ten million acres of Califor­ recover the loss of oak management lore that bed on the valley floor well above the its Although it is difficult to imagine California nia are habitat to the nineteen native species of passed away with these people. normal level. Graphic reminders of this devoid of oaks, with treeless foothills or oak. The California Department of Fish and When Franciscan missionaries arrived in problem still occur in wet years, when the coastal landscapes, the history of Europe and Game Natural Diversity Data Base recognizes 1769 they often located missions in oak Yuba River floods Marysville and Yuba City. the British Isles gives us pause. At one time woodlands. These missions, Riparian oaks in the Central Valley were Ireland, England and Wales were almost and the associated Mexi­ first cut to fuel steam boats. As agriculture entirely covered with trees-mostly oaks. For can ranchos, had a pro­ expanded, there was increasing pressure from many Californians, blue gums and other exotic found impact on oak wood­ powerful farming interests to control flooding. trees are not an acceptable alternative for our lands. The introduction of Much of the riparian forest, which included native oaks. aggressive Mediterranean impressive valley oaks, was cleared following annual grasses and forbs various flood control projects. Kenneth Historic glimpses of California Oaks along with Mex ican cattle Thompson, a great student of Sacramento Many California explorers and botanists changed forever the nature Valley riparian forests, wrote that "with the recorded observations of the oak-filled of the California grassland coming of white man the pristine vegetation landscapes they encountered. Their comments and oak woodlands. How (of the Sacramento Valley) was modified with remind us of the rich diversity of California many current California a rapidity and completeness unmatched in oaks, ranging from low, arid Mojave Desert residents know, or care, other parts of the United States." slopes to high, wet ridges in the Klamath that much of the green Throughout California, major areas of oak ranges. woodland understory in woodland remain; but locating healthy, George Vancouver, commander of the spring has been here for mature, or young regenerating oak stands, English ship Discovery, described valley oaks in the Santa Clara Valley in 1792: "For about Photo by David Cavagnaro less than two centuries? unthreatened by agricultural or urban develop­ ment, is becoming increasingly difficult. Ca/i/(ml.ia black oak (Quercus kelloggii). The arrival of vast num- contd. on pg. 44

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and dusty trails, although for a few brief days Castroville: "On the uplands and low hills east California Native Oaks ... at the end of the rainy season the white trunks of town there is an almost inexhaustible supply rise everywhere from a many-colored cloth of good oak cordwood, and large trade in contd. from pg. 43 woven from the slender treads of innumerable which with San Jose and other points is carried millions of flowering annuals." on by medium of the Southern Pacific Jepson was also greatly impressed with Railroad" (Resources of California, April twenty miles it could only be compared to a smooth and grassy; the forest bad no canyon live oak (which has many common 1881). These coast live oak forests on Aromas park which had originally been closely planted undergrowth; and in the open valleys or names). "In the Sierra Nevada the species is sand hills near Castroville did sprout and with the true old English oak; the underwood, rivulets, or around spring heads, the low most common and of largest size between formed a new forest. However, the resprouted that had probably attended its early growth, groves of live oaks give the appearance of 1500 and 5000 feet, being chiefly confined to forest is now being rapidly cleared for had the appearance of having been cleared orchards in an old cultivated country." the canyons. lin size of individuals it reaches strawberry farms and new homes amidst Charles S. Sargent in greatest development in Mendocino and controversy over heavy soil erosion from the 1905 described coast live Humboldt counties, where the most massive steep, sandy hill sides. oak as "a tree, occasionally trees grow on bottomlands in the valleys. The In the 1900s the charcoal industry began to eighty to ninety feet high, narrow floor of Hupa Valley is distinguished impact the oak woodlands. San Luis Obispo with a short trunk three to by its maul oaks, their great size and port. One County was the major charcoal-producing four or rarely six to seven of these trees, named Old feet in diameter, dividing a Scotty, is ninety-five feet few feet above the base high and one hundred into numerous great limbs twenty-five across the often resting on the ground crown. The tallest trees and forming a low round­ grow on the sharp walls of topped head frequently deep cool canyons, and as 150 feet across ... usually in such habitats so commonly open groves of great extent exhibit well-developed from Sonoma Counly trees the species is often southward over the coast called canyon oak." Photo by David Cavagnaro ranges and islands to San Even during the late Pedro Matir. .. very abun- Canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). 1800s Jepson was well dant and of its' largest size aware of the tremendous in valleys south of San diversity of oaks in Califor­ away and left the stately lords of the forest in Francisco Bay and their commonest and nia. Not only does Califor­ complete possession of the soil which was characteristic tree; frequently covering with nia offer a wealth of oak Photo by David Cavagnaro covered with luxuriant herbage." semiprostrate and contorted stems the sand The magnificent valley oak woodlands of dunes of the Coast." species, but also the luxury P'llmer's oak (Quercus palmeri). of an even greater number the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, as Willis Jepson, who hiked and rode for many of interesting oak habitats. area in the state, with the greatest concentra­ well as the larger foothi II valleys, are noted years gathering information and specimens of tion in the Adelaide region west of Paso repeatedly in journals of early travelers. John California's wild plants, commented on the Major disturbances in the oak woodlands Robles. There over I 000 acres per year were C. Fremont discovered the interior live oak on blue oak in a way that rings familiar to all who As California's rural and urban populations cleared for charcoal at the peak of production. the South Fork of the American River in have trod the dry foothills in summer. "Not in grew after the Gold Rush, there was an ever­ From the 1940s and 1950s, several March, 1849 after crossing the Sierra Nevada. itself an attractive tree, the blue oak by reason federally-funded programs encouraged agri­ Later, on a journey from Sutter' s Fort to Los of its form, color and habit plays a strong and increasing demand for oak products. Ranchers . needed fuel, fencing, and cleared land. The cultural development and land clearing. One Angeles, he passed through impressive interior natural part in the scenery of the yellow-brown cities also created an ever-growing demand on program, started in 1941 , was the War Food live oak groves on the Consumnes, Mokelumne, foothills. Always scattered about singly or in oak resources. One early example of fuel Stanislaus, and other streams on the east side open groves, the trees are well associated in wood harvest for distant urban areas was near of the San Joaquin Valley. "The country is memory with bleached grass, glaring sunlight, contd. on pg. 46

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as the Year of the Oak, and California Native Oaks ... was instrumental in two resolutions which were contd. from pg. 45 passed by the state's legis­ lature. The first declared 1990 the Year of the Oak, Program. Another was the Agricultural regeneration of blue oak and the practice of and the second contained Adjustment Administration' s range improve­ removing blue oaks from foothill pastures to more far-reaching lan­ ment program for the Eradication and Control increase livestock forage. In September 1978 guage. It called for every of Destructive and Competitive Plants. Peter Steinhart penned a penetrating summary state agency with responsi­ Between I 950 and I 980, 4.8 million acres of of the oak situation in Audubon magazine bility for oak lands to forest and rangeland were converted to urban entitled "As the old oaks fall ," illustrated with develop a plan for the and irrigated agricultural land uses. David Cavagnaro' s super photographs. And protection and conserva­ the October I 983 issue of Fremontia was tion of their oaks. These Public involvement in oak affairs devoted solely to the subject of oaks. plans are to be submitted to Unlike the state' s conifer resources, oaks During this period the Heritage Oak the legislature in the fall of Photo by David Cavagnaro inhabit private land and have received little Committee of Sacramento published a classic 1991. management scrutiny from traditional forestry booklet, Native Oaks: Our Valley Heritage. Blue oak (Quercus douglasii). interests. The first public expressions of The efforts of the committee are an Era of oak meetings the State Forestry Board) with many co­ concern over the long-term future of outstanding example of a public service Interest in oak woodlands grew in the late sponsors, including CNPS. All the major California's oak communities sUifaced in project carried out by Mike Weber and others. 1960s, partly due to California Department of interest groups were represented, and a great many parts of the state in the I 970s. Articles Over 20,000 copies have been distributed Fish and Game concerns about declining oak deal of constructive dialogue about current and news items about regeneration problems without advertising. habitats. U.S. Forest Service, University of oak affairs took place. Regular, informal of valley oak and blue oak began appearing in In the fall of 1987 the organization of a California, and California State University meetings of researchers working on oak­ ecological and popular journals. In the April California Native Plant Society oak-hardwood researchers were concerned about adequate related topics are held annually. Throughout 1973 Fremontia, James Griffin discussed committee was announced with Pam Muick oak regeneration. These issues prompted an the state, local workshops and seminars are valley oak regeneration problems. In the April and Joan Stewart as committee co-chairs. The oak symposium at Scripps College, Claremont being held for education and information I 976 Fremontia V. L. Holland considered committee defined oak policy issues for the in June 1979. It attracted about two hundred exchange. Regional meetings have been held society, assembled educa­ attendees who heard fifty-two research at Santa Rosa, Chico, San Diego and tional materials, and n1et reports. Tuolumne County, and more are planned. with other groups to estab­ The success of this meeting Jed to a larger Finally, another symposium for oak lish research priorities on meeting at California State Polytechnic researchers will meet at Davis, October 31 oak issues. University, San Luis Obispo in November through November 2. 1990, sponsored by the In I 988 the California 1985. That event included some five hundred University of California Cooperative Exten­ Oak Foundation was cre­ attendees hearing eighty-five research reports. sion and the Department of Forestry and ated as a statewide organi­ Proceedings of both meetings were published Resource Management. zation to promote "conser­ by the Pacific Southwest Forest and Range vation, restoration, and Experiment Station, U.S. Forest Service, and Major players in oak politics management of our native were instant best-sellers. These publications The State Board of Forestry has a long oak heritage through prac­ had considerable impact on the direction of history of establishing harvesting rules for tices that encourage its new oak research and on the continuing coniferous forests on private lands. Only perpetuation and through dialogue about oak regulations. recently has the Board and their Range focus on public education In January 1989 an oak symposium was Management Advisory Committee considered and coordination between convened in Sacramento sponsored by the expanding into the role of regulating Photo by David Cavagnaro the pri vale sectors." The Range Management Advisory Committee (to Cony oak (Quercus garryana). Foundation declared I 990 contd. on pg. 48

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hardwoods. In 1983 the Board appointed a oak and the valley oak, the two species hardwood task force to study the future elevated to List 4 status in the 1988 Inventory stability of oak woodlands used for grazing. of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of Oak And Beech The task force identified nineteen specific California. Engelmann oak is considered problems patently affecting oak woodlands; threatened by loss of habitat. Valley oak is also most of the problems involved specific needs threatened by loss of habitat and lack of Symposium for research and broad educational programs. natural regeneration. Significantly, the actual A coalition of several agencies joined together acreage of valley oak woodland still remaining to help solve these woodland problems in in the state is unknown. The Society also 1985. represented the conservation/environmental Arboretum Trompenburg The California Department of Forest and viewpoint at advisory committee meetings Fire Protection (CDF), with their Forest and where research priorities were established. Rotterdam, the Netherlands Rangeland Resources Assessment Program The California Oak Foundation rose swiftly (FRRAP), emerged as the lead agency for the and effectively to embrace the diminishing cooperative Integrated Hardwood Range urban and suburban oaks not addressed by the Management Program (IHRMP). CDF spon­ state's program. The statewide Oak Founda­ sored new, short-term research projects and tion arose from the successful Sacramento 3July 1999 monitoring. The University of California, Tree Foundation, and moved rapidly to Division of Agriculture and Natural Re­ produce informational brochures and supply sources. provided five new Natural Resource educational materials to the non-ranching oak Specialists and, in addition, two farm advisors constituency. In identifying a different public were added to the program. The University of and addressing their needs, the Foundation To celebrate the 40 years of board California sponsors long term research broadened the viewpoint of the state and projects. California Department of Fish and university's hardwood program. membership of Dick van Hoey Smith Game addresses wildlife problems. The Range Management Advisory Committee provides A Quercus revival at Arboretum Trompenburg and the additional policy input. A total of 9.6 million Until recently, most California residents dollars was budgeted for the program, with an and state agencies have taken oaks for 75-year anniversary o~ the founding of annual budget-of approximately one million granted. At the turn of the century, between dollars. Of the annual budget, about forty 1890 and 1925, a number of books were the Dutch Dendrology Society percent supports the natural resource special­ published containing natural history informa­ ists, twenty percent goes to long-term tion about oaks by authors such as Kellogg, (NDV), you are invited to attend a competitive grants, and thirty-five percent is Jepson, Sudworth, Eastwood, and others. used for short-term research and monitoring. Then came a long hiatus. series of lectures and a tour through The California Native Plant Society has For over sixty years, little attention was paid promoted its concerns for the native oaks and to oak preservation or conservation, although their habitats. Although the state and specific programs existed for eradicating oaks. the arboretum. university programs focused primarily on the During this time few researchers, in academia, blue oak grazing lands, the Society emphasized the need for more research on the Engelmann contd. on pg . 49 Costs: Dn. SS (payable at entrance)

Page 48 No.1 Republication I March 1999 International Oaks Schedule: alifornia Native Oaks ...

ontd . from pg. 48

9:30AM Welcome Il l' in state or federal agencies, studied (!111 '/'I' II S. Since the late 1970s, public and Editor's note: James R. Griffin has served with II:OOAM Lectures by four international authori­ 1 ·s •r rrch interest has been enhanced by two the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, U. C. I IS I,. S-sponsored oak symposia ( 1979, 1985). Berkeley, at the Hastings Reservation in 'l'ht:s · conferences, coupled with state Carmel Valley, California USA , and has been ties on oaks and beeches li1ndin , have resulted in new generations of. involved with oak concerns for more than 25 II 'Nl'll l'chers focu sing their attention on oaks. years. Pamela C. Muick is with the U. C. 1:ooPM Lunch break , 'r1hsl'q ucntl y, our knowledge about oaks has Berkeley Department of Forestry and Re­ IH'Jr rrr to in crease rapidly. source Management on the main campus at 2:30PM /\s we look towards the next century, we Berkeley, California USA , and since this Guided tours through the arboretum rr •t'llJ• Ili 1.C that tremendous changes will article was originally published has become r'll ntinrr • to occur on the landscape. known to many International Oak Society 4:ooPM Discussion and refreshments I 'nllt'omi a's population is predicted to members as one of the authors of the book lli'H'liS • by twenty million in the next twenty Oaks of California. This article originally was s:ooPM Closing Vi'I II S. Ma ny or these people will, like us, be reproduced from the July 1990 issue of li vlr iJ umong the oaks. However, many of Fremontia with the kind permission of the tiii 'N t' p •ople may not initially value oak California Native Plant Society, and is lurli ltu ls in the sa me ways we do. Our only reprinted with corrections here. Photographer lll l(lt' t'or meeting the needs of the new David Cavagnaro graciously has permitted I '111! l'o rn in ns and sustaining the values of an International Oaks to reproduce some of his 1111~ ri lktl land scape is to develop workable photographs used in the original Fremontia ii lllt lo rr s, ·o mbining good information and publication for this commemorative issue. 1 11 1hu h I • 1o licies. For further information contact: Gert Fortgens, Director Stichting Arboretum Trompenburg Honingerdijk 86 3062 NX Rotterdam The Netherlands

No .1 Republication I March 1999 Page 49