Prairie Stature® Oak -- Quercus x bimundorum ‘Midwest’ (RFM-38)

Description

fall_colorleaf_closeupThis oak was introduced in collaboration with Dr. Mark Widrlechner, USDA - ARS, North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Six seedling trees, labeled Quercur robur - English Oak were received for cooperative trial via the NC-7 program in 1972. One seedling was outstanding in landscape features, including quality emerald-green, semi-glossy, leathery foliage, reddish coloration in autumn, retention of tannish leaves into winter, and quite dense, pyramidal form. It has averaged 14 inches of growth per year for 33 years. This tree merits attention for asexual propagation by commercial nursery propagators for its outstanding attributes. It is extremely difficult to propagate clonally by cuttings or in tissue culture. Limited propagation trials at NDSU have produced success rates of 21 to 53% utilizing various grafting/budding techniques. It is believed to be a hybrid oak with English Oak x White Oak (Q. alba) parentage. This oak hybrid holds considerable promise for landscapes in USDA zones 3-5 and is available in the commercial nursery trade utilizing clonal propagation methods. Prairie Stature® will reach semi-mature height of 30 to 40 feet in 25 to 30 years.

Potential Uses or Applications

Nursery stock, shade, boulevard, and specimen landscape tree

Development Stage

Plant propagation material can be obtained from NDSU Plant Sciences Department or trees from licensed nursery subject to availability.

Patent Status

U.S. Trademark registered – Prairie Stature®
Canadian Trademark registered

Licensing Status

This cultivar is available for non-exclusive licensing.

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