Quercus garryana aka Garry Oak

Taxonomy

Quercus garryana, also known as the Oregon white oak, Oregon oak, or Garry oak, is a member of the Fagaceae family and is found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Its range stretches from southern California to southwestern British Columbia, growing at altitudes ranging from sea level to 5,900 feet. There are three recognized varieties of this tree, named after Nicholas Garry, deputy governor of the Hudson's Bay Company. In the northern part of its range, Quercus garryana can reach up to 90 feet in height, while in the southern part, it is more commonly a shrub that grows up to 20 feet tall. The tree has large, lobed leaves that it sheds in the winter and is important for wildlife. Additionally, Brewer Oak is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and well-draining soil. It thrives in direct light and should be placed less than a foot away from a window. Repotting the plant each time it doubles in size eliminates the need for fertilizers.

Common names

Garry Oak, Oregon Oak, Oregon White Oak

How to care for Garry Oak

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Garry Oak due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Garry Oak should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Garry Oak loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Garry Oak thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Oregon White Oak.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Garry Oak to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Garry Oak is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Garry Oak’s native range is Western N. America - British Columbia to California.


More info:
Wikipedia