Quercus frainetto (syn. Quercus conferta Kit., Quercus farnetto Ten.), the Hungarian oak or Italian oak, is a species of oak, native to southeastern Europe (parts of Italy, the Balkans, parts of Hungary, Romania) and Turkey; it is classified in Quercus sect. Mesobalanus.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Quercus frainetto (synonyms Quercus conferta, Quercus farnetto), commonly known as the Hungarian oak, is a species of oak, native to southeastern Europe (parts of Italy, the Balkans, parts of Hungary, Romania) and Turkey. It is classified in Quercus sect. Quercus.
Quercus frainetto is a large deciduous tree, reaching heights of 38 metres (125 feet) tall by 20 m (66 ft) broad, with a trunk girth of nearly 2 m (7 ft). The bark is light gray in colour and cracks into small square cracking plates. The buds are large, long and pointed, shiny russet or light brown in colour with minute tomentum. The twigs are stout and covered with russet upward pointed hairs.
The leaves are large, 14–25 centimetres (6–10 inches) long, occasionally up to 33 cm (13 in), variable in shape, divided into 6–10 very deep parallel lobes which are usually divided into sublobes. The leaf stalks are usually short, 2–6 millimetres (3⁄32–1⁄4 inch), rarely to 22 mm long. The leaves are widest close to the apex, which is broad and short. The base of the leaf usually has auricles which sometimes overlap the twig. The light yellow green expanding leaves turn rich dark green by the beginning of summer. The leaves are covered with minute russet hairs, especially the lower surface. The leaves are concentrated at the ends of twigs. The leaves turn brown, russet or yellow in fall and sometimes remain attached to the twigs until the following spring.
The light brown acorns mature in about 6 months. They are 15–35 mm (5⁄8–1+3⁄8 in) long, egg shaped, usually with a blunt apex. The acorn cup is covered with long overlapping scales and russet hairs. The acorns tend to concentrate in groups of two to eight at the ends of twigs.
It is adapted to the subcontinental climate of southeastern Europe, but the main factor of its occurrence at a particular site is the soil. It is specially adapted to heavy acidic soils (cambisols and vertisols), typical of Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. These soils are usually leached out, very dry in the summer and sometimes waterlogged in the spring. However, the Hungarian oak does not tolerate flooding or high water tables.
It is also extremely sensitive to the presence of lime in the soil. Hence, in contradiction to its English vernacular name, which was assigned when the Kingdom of Hungary controlled large parts of the Balkans, the Hungarian oak is a very rare tree in modern Hungary, where the soils are generally very rich in lime. The Hungarian oak-Turkey oak forest (Quercetum frainetto-cerris Rud.) is the most widespread association of this oak in the Balkans, which is also the most common forest type in Serbia and Kosovo.
II. How to Grow and Care
Hungarian oak establishes itself well in a range of environments, denoting an overall ease of care. Two key points: first, hungarian oak thrives in well-drained soil with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Second, while hungarian oak tolerates drought, regular watering during the establishment phase is crucial for a strong root system. Once mature, hungarian oak demands minimal maintenance, showcasing its adaptability and resilience, making it a hassle-free addition to suitable landscapes.
Sunlight
Hungarian oak should be planted in a field with full sun. It gives shade, shady plants can be planted under it.
Temperature
Hungarian oak grows in a large range of temperatures. It is adaptable in hardiness zones 5-9.It prefers well drained soil with adequate ventilation in the tree canopy. Hungarian oak will not do well in standing water. Also, leaf molds pose serious threats if the leaves cannot dry out in the wind. So make sure they are not stuck against buildings where rainwater may drain.
Watering
Hungarian oak thrives in environments that mimic its native habitat, which includes temperate regions with moderate rainfall. This species exhibits a preference for consistent moisture but has adapted to tolerate brief periods of dryness. Watering should be adjusted to once every 1-2 weeks, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist without becoming waterlogged. As hungarian oak is more commonly grown outdoors, it’s important to consider how natural precipitation contributes to its watering needs. In particular, during the growing season, adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining the health and vigor of hungarian oak, especially when establishing new growth.
Soil
Ideal soils are well-drained loam, sandy-loam, or sandy-clay soils. Some alluvial fan areas and silts harbor good oaks stands. The key in all of these is that the soil is well-drained. Standing water cannot be tolerated by oaks.
Fertilizing
Hungarian oak can survive and thrive without supplemental fertilization. But if you wish to give them extra nutrients you can add some of 12-6-6 (N-P-K) fertilizer. This has more of a ratio of nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium. Also, consider the natural environment of oaks. They grow where there is lots of forest litter. This forest litter acts as natural mulch that breaks down into organic matter and humus. So one way to give some natural nutrition is to spread mulch by your oak trees. They will love the extra organic matter.
Planting Instructions
It may takes a very long time if you want to get a mature oak tree from an acorn. But with patience, planting a small tree is still fun. Be sure to kill weevil larvae by soaking the acorns in 41 ℃ water for 30 minutes, stratify in moist sand in the refrigerator (not freezer), and plant in the springtime.
Pruning
Branches should be pruned to avoid moist pockets or where heavy branches may fall on people or buildings. Avoid having branches that grow with leaves tight together or pressed against buildings. If rain collects in these pockets then molds and fungi can attack. Hungarian oak love having their leaves dry out in a well ventilated breeze.
To ensure that no danger occurs from the brittle hardwood branches, make sure that heavy branches do not hang over walking paths or outbuildings. Also, do not let children play near oaks in a thunderstorm as they are susceptible to falling branches and lightning strikes.
Propagation
Hungarian oak is effectively propagated through sowing. To enhance germination rates, stratification of the seeds might be necessary as a pretreatment step. Using a well-drained substrate is recommended to avoid seed rot. For improved outcomes, seeds should be sown at a shallow depth, allowing for adequate light exposure and air circulation. Regular watering ensuring a moist environment aids in stimulation of growth without risking waterlogging. Seedlings require careful handling upon transplantation to avoid disrupting delicate root systems.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant hungarian oak is during the warmth of mid to late spring, a season that ensures mild weather for root establishment. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. If hungarian oak is large, stake for support post-transplant.
III. Uses and Benefits
The wood of the Hungarian oak is used in the mines for the support of the galleries. It is also used as sleepers, firewood and charcoal. On the other hand, it is little used in construction because it breaks transversely. Its acorns are sometimes used as food for domestic animals.
