Quercus marilandica aka Blackjack Oak

Taxonomy

Quercus marilandica, commonly referred to as the blackjack oak, is a small deciduous tree that is native to the eastern and central United States. It belongs to the red oak group Quercus sect. Lobatae and can grow up to 15 meters tall. The bark is cracked into rectangular black plates with narrow orange fissures, while the leaves are dark green and glossy above, pubescent underneath, and often remain attached to the twigs through the winter after turning colors from red to brown in the fall. The acorn is small and takes 18 months to mature. The blackjack oak grows in poor, thin, dry, rocky, or sandy soils where few other woody plants can thrive, usually on low ground, from sea level up to approximately 2,800 feet in altitude. Some commentators say that it does not have the beautiful form of many oaks, but is nonetheless a valuable tree for growing in problem sites. As a houseplant, Blackjack Oak is super rare and easy to grow with regular watering. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It likes well-draining soil and doesn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. It belongs to the Quercus genus and is native to the Central and Eastern United States.

Common names

Blackjack Oak, Scrub Oak

How to care for Blackjack Oak

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Blackjack 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Blackjack Oak prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Blackjack Oak is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Blackjack Oak is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Blackjack Oak’s native range is Central and South-eastern N. America - New York to Florida, west to Iowa and Texas.


More info:
Wikipedia