Mediterranean evergreen oak of southern Iberia and North Africa, with deeply furrowed thick corky bark that can be stripped sustainably from the living tree on a 9–12 year cycle. The world source of natural wine-bottle corks.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 8–10 | −12.2 °C to 4.4 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H4 | −10 °C to −5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–6 | −5 °C to 15 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Corky bark stripped from the trunk every 9–12 years from trees over 25 years old — a non-destructive harvest the tree survives and regenerates from over a 200+ year working life
- The cork oak forests (montados, dehesas) of Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia are an exceptional silvopastoral ecosystem and a UNESCO biosphere reserve in several regions
- Distinct from English oak (Q. robur, already in the database) — cork oak is evergreen, drought-tolerant, and not frost-hardy, suited only to Mediterranean climates
- Drought tolerant and fire-resistant once mature — corky bark is excellent insulation against summer fires
Pet caution: Cork oak is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
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Related plants
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