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Quercus macrocarpa
Alberta's only native oak — restricted to the southeastern corner near Cypress Hills and along the Milk River. Rugged, deeply-furrowed bark and enormous acorns (often 3–4 cm) with mossy-fringed caps give it its common name. Exceptionally long-lived (200–400 years) and fire-resistant. Slow-growing but spectacular as a specimen tree.
Quick Facts
Distribution
SE Alberta (Cypress Hills, Milk River), Zone 3
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
May–June
Soil
Well-drained loam; tolerates clay and alkaline pH; surprisingly drought-tolerant
Water
Low to moderate
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Seed (acorns) planted fresh in fall — acorns cannot dry out or they lose viability. Taproot develops immediately; transplant only as young seedlings. Very slow from seed (20+ years to first acorn crop).
