Acorns Oaks
DocKalle , ,
12.10.2024: New Facebook group “Oaklovers – Quercus international”

Oaklovers – Quercus international. There is a new group on Facebook – “Oaklovers – Quercus international”. You can join here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/518874377741330

Hobby and exchange in Oaklovers – Quercus international

Growing oak trees is a wonderful hobby. It decelerates, it calms, it grounds. And it helps us humans to create something meaningful, to realize that we can be a productive part of the whole. And of course, even if it is actually a classic “solitary hobby”, it makes sense to talk about the specimens of the genus “Quercus” from time to time. After all, there are around 600 Quercus species.

An exchange is now possible on Facebook (see above). Which species could this be? What general conditions need to be considered for different species? Where can you get good seed? Who might swap acorns? Which species can be discovered in which botanical garden? There is a lot to discuss.

Quercus-related species from the beech family (Fagacea) can also be discussed. By the way, from time to time small acorn shipments are raffled off among the members of the group. So it makes sense to actively participate in the group.

 

Oaklovers - Quercus international
Oaklovers – Quercus international

Of course you will also find dates here, e.g. dates for https://www.internationaloaksociety.org/. Or also information on special oak species for sale, e.g. here: https://quercus.guru/shop/.

Small competitions are also held from time to time: e.g. “Who sends the ‘most beautiful’ oak photo?”, or: “Who knows a particularly spectacular oak species?” etc.

Meaningfulness

You can also explain your motivations there. Why do you grow oak trees? What significance does it have for you? Do you want to do something for nature conservation or climate protection? What is the core of your enthusiasm for oaks?

Acorns Climate Warming Resistant Oaks Unkategorisiert
DocKalle
10.10.2024: First acorns of the new season are expected

The first acorns of the 2024 season are expected shortly from arboretums/collectors in France and Bulgaria. please subscribe to the newsletter for more information: https://quercus.guru/newsletter/.

Dear people,

The time for acorn deliveries in 2024 is beginning very slowly.

Came in today: Quercus hartwissiana.

Expected in the next 3 weeks:
Quercus acerifolia
Quercus crassipes
Quercus eduardi
Quercus aff. galeanensis
Quercus x heterophylla
Quercus hirtifolia
Quercus mexicana

Many more species will follow in late fall/winter
Among them will (hopefully) be some real surprises, really great and rare acorns.
In addition, many species from Southern Europe and North Africa.
e.g.
Quercus canariensis
Quercus infectoria subsp. veneris
Quercus alnifolia
Quercus ithaburensis

From around January/February 2025, for example, from the USA

Quercus kelloggii
Quercus wislizeni
Quercus chrysolepi
Quercus tomentella

Quercus macrocarpa (big)

Hopefully too:
Quercus buckleyii
Quercus comptonae
Quercus falcata
Quercus hemisphaerica
Quercus imbricaria
Quercus laurifolia
Quercus laevis
Quercus lyrata
Quercus margaretta
Quercus marilandica
Quercus muehlenbergii
Quercus nuttallii
Quercus obtusa
Quercus polymorha
Quercus prinus
Quercus prinoides
Quercus shumardii
Quercus stellata
Quercus texana
Quercus velutina
Quercus virginiana
Quercus virginiana fusiformis

…and perhaps a few more surprises (acorns).

Take a look at our store soon: https://quercus.guru/shop/

Planting oak trees is a wonderful hobby. It’s a joy to see the little acorns sprout, to accompany the tender little plants, to nurture and care for them. One day they will grow up and grow old. They will outlive us and we will be able to leave something meaningful to the world.

Several oak species can live for well over 500 years, they provide food for many wild animals, they cool the environment, they can contribute to combating global warming. They provide life and can accompany us for a lifetime.

There is a lot to consider. The quality of the seed, the soil, the method of planting, liming, acidification, protection against too much water (or too little). It is a wonderful task to create and do something for the environment.

Quercus hartwissiana
Quercus hartwissiana
Quercus macrocarpa
Quercus macrocarpa
Acorns City climate suitable Climate Warming Resistant Oaks Unkategorisiert
DocKalle
27.7.2024: Oak species from California

Acorns and oak species from California

The first species for this year have been selected. In winter 2024, oak species come from California (in the form of acorns). E.g. Quercus lobata (Californian white oak), Quercus x jolonensis and Quercus douglasii (blue oak). This year also: Quercus kellogii (California black oak), Quercus wislizeni and Quercus chrysolepis (canyon oak). After a long, long search I finally managed to find someone who sends acorns of Quercus tomentella from California, but only a very limited number (100 pieces). Oak species from California are special because they are very well adapted to a warming climate. Quercus tomentella is a rarity that is difficult to obtain (see https://en.wikipe dia.org/wiki/Quercus_tomentella). This species originally only occurs on the Channel Islands off California and on “Guadelaupe Island”. This species is highly endangered. It forms hybrids with Querrcus chrysolepis. Quercus tomentella is also known as the island oak. The acorns will probably arrive here at the end of February/March 2025. Quercus kellogii can reach heights of up to 35 meters.
It can be found as far as the border with Mexico.
It grows on slopes at altitudes between 300 and 2400 meters.
It prefers drier soils.

Acorns Climate Warming Resistant Oaks
DocKalle
Oak growth through sheep’s wool

Oak growth through sheep’s wool

Many oak species are grown here using sheep’s wool. Oak growth through sheep’s wool is impressive. Even Quercus dentata and Quercus suber grow excellently due to the phosphates in the wool.
We currently have 32 sheep and goats living on the farm. They provide peace and quiet in hectic everyday life, graze on wildflower meadows and enjoy the summer.
More of the four-legged friends were clipped today so that they can get through the year well, it can still be scorching hot.

Soil substrates for growing oak trees

Several repotted oaks, Quercus pyrenaica, Quercus suber, Quercus frainetto, Quercus macrocarpa, Quercus acerifolia, Quercus dentata, all benefit from oak growth through sheep wool. If they are large, they should help to cool the planet.
There is a lot of experimentation with soil substrates here. Sandy soil, loamy soil, lime substrate, sheep’s wool (retains moisture) and provides phosphates, coffee powder (makes the soil acidic) and well-seasoned horse manure.
Sometimes also chicken and duck manure, pig manure, etc.
It is so interesting how you can influence the growth of rare oak species. A science in itself. I’ll write a book about it one day. It is grounding (in the truest sense of the word) to have this hobby. You deal with the essential things of existence. How can life thrive, how do trees grow, what can be done to promote rare oak species? I’m always delighted when seedlings have grown a bit bigger again after a year.
And people peer curiously out of the poke baskets. These are now bursting at the seams 🙂

If you want to buy oaks: https://quercus.guru/shop/.

Soil substrates are available free of charge on request.

Old stork
Old stork
3 young storks above the oak station
3 young storks above the oak station
Repotted oaks
Repotted oaks
Coffee powder for oaks
Coffee powder for oaks
Lieselotte the sheep
Lieselotte the sheep
Oak growth through sheep's wool
Oak growth through sheep’s wool
Oak growth through sheep's wool
Oak growth through sheep’s wool
Growing oak trees in pots
Growing oak trees in pots
Quercus acerifolia, Quercus suber, Quercus dentata, Quercus lobata
Quercus acerifolia, Quercus suber, Quercus dentata, Quercus lobata
Substrates for growing oak trees
Substrates for growing oak trees
Acorns Climate Warming Resistant Unkategorisiert
DocKalle , , , , ,
16.06.2024: Mexican oak species

Mexican oak species

The work at the oak nursery is wonderful. It is grounding (in the truest sense of the word), it decelerates, and it is an absolute privilege to “work” with oak species, some of which have become very rare, and which sometimes only exist in small
corners of the world. Fortunately, there are many, many collectors all over the world, and we use the proceeds to finance part of our animal and species protection measures.
In the pictures you can see many Mexican oak species. The leaves look very different from those of oaks, but they are still Quercus specimens. Here you can see, for example: Quercus depressa, Quercus jolonensis (USA), Quercus hypoxantha, Quercus douglasii (USA), Quercus hypoleucoides, Quercus aff. miqhuihuanensis, Quercus sinuata var breviloba.

Animal company

You always have a lot of company when working at the oak breeding station. The storks rattle and rumble, it won’t be long before the two young storks fly out.
Right next to the oak station is our infirmary for our poultry. We currently have some ducks and chickens (along with their husbands/wives) here due to various fox attacks. Some were seriously injured and are treated 2 to 3 times a day.
They are slowly recovering and will fortunately survive the fox attacks.
Ducks in particular are very social animals (similar to geese),
that their partners need in everyday life, which is why they are treated here as a group. Two young ducks hatched by a wild duck are very funny (and fortunately unharmed).
One of the ducks appears to be a hybrid between a dwarf duck and a wild duck. The two tiny creatures do everything together and entertained me very well during the oak treatment today 🙂

Unfortunately, the foxes have taken various animals from the forest (the place is teeming with fox dens). Unfortunately, that’s part of it. It is impossible to completely fence off the 4 hectares of grace farm land from foxes and the puppies are also hungry.
Next to the infirmary (hermetically fenced) and the oak ward are some flowering meadows that we have planted. The meadow daisy is currently in bloom, as are St. John’s wort, meadow knapweed and meadow bedstraw.
Sheep and goats graze there on separate areas in the sense of staggered mowing. After mowing, they move on to other areas. On the claws and in the fur: seeds. In this way, they played cab for biodiversity.
And this is also wonderfully relaxing and alleviates the everyday hassle of “normal work” in the office.

Promoting diversity

Ok, Mexican oak species are not necessarily a benefit for the native fauna, but it still makes sense to preserve, nurture and care for these species too. Just like many other oak species from all over the world.

Quercus jolonensis
Quercus jolonensis
Quercus douglasii
Quercus douglasii
Quercus douglasii
Quercus sinuata var breviloba
Quercus sinuata var breviloba
Quercus aff. miquihuanensis
Quercus aff. miquihuanensis
Quercus greggii
Quercus greggii
Quercus depressa
Quercus depressa
Quercus hypoxantha
Quercus hypoxantha
Quercus hypoleucoides
Quercus hypoleucoides
Quercus greggii
Quercus greggii
Acorns Climate Warming Resistant
DocKalle
15.6.2024: Our little oak tree nursery

The seed remaining after the winter was grown in our small breeding station (oak nursery) under completely different soil conditions.
Sometimes lime gravel is used, sometimes one-year-old worm humus, horse manure that has been stored for a very long time and coffee residues (for an acidic soil).

The result is pretty good, even if not everything worked (we learn something new every year).
Small quantities of seedlings can also be sold on request at info@umweltschutz-und-lebenshilfe.de. However, growth is not guaranteed, as summer is considered a sub-optimal season.
Time for transplanting oak seedlings (unless: The transplanter constantly takes good care of the tree (watering, shading, optimal soil and living conditions).
However, it is not always easy in the first 2-3 years. For oak species, spring (until mid-April) or fall (until the beginning of November) are the best times for repotting.
The situation is of course different for permanent green species from (almost) tropical regions.

Some of the saplings in the oak nursery (including some very rare species, especially from Mexico) are currently just 2-3 centimeters high.
An insider tip: After the seedlings arrive by post, shorten the tiny fine roots by a few millimeters using a scalpel or very sharp scissors. We have had good experiences with this trick here.

On request, photos of individual species will of course be sent separately in advance.
Small quantities of substrates are also sent free of charge for the first 2 years during transportation.
Small quantities are currently distributed by:
Quercus douglasii, Quercus dentata, ….crassipes, hypoxantha, depressa, greggi, hypoleucoides, aff. miqhuihuanensis, sinuata var breviloba, hirtifolia, saltillensis,
heterophilla, ellipsoidalis, faginea, ithaburensis, cerris, jolonensis, wutaishanica, lobata, dentata, cerris, suber….

The small sprouts are sold at prices ranging from 2 to 8 euros per seedling (depending on species, severity of cultivation, severity of finding, import, etc.).

It is also currently time to organize new seeds. A Herculean task, but also a lot of fun.
We are currently working hard to organize rare oak species from Armenia, for example, as well as a species from Mallorca that only occurs regionally and various species from Asia. The customs regulations in particular are sometimes a horror.
A lot of time is currently being invested in organizing clean, good seed of Quercus tomentella and Quercus pontica. Sometimes private collectors can be found on Facebook & Co. who go on the hunt in the fall for a fee.

Below are many many pictures. Some oak leaves have traces of stork dung. 2 stork chicks in the eyrie above the small tree nursery have made it and will hopefully fly off to a long life in the next few days 🙂

See also:

Buying acorns internationally

Buying acorns internationally. Special oaks, acorns and other seeds for collectors and plant enthusiasts. Many species resistant to global warming. Many climate trees. E.g. seeds of plane trees, pines, cypresses and more…
https://quercus.guru/

Acorns City climate suitable Climate Warming Resistant Other trees (except oaks)
DocKalle ,
6.4.2024: Growing more climate trees

Lots of whirling in the “climate protection garden”. Trees are grown from seeds here. Buying acorns internationally. Special oaks, acorns and other seeds for collectors and plant enthusiasts. Many species resistant to global warming. Many climate trees. E.g. seeds of plane trees, pines, cypresses and more..https://quercus.guru/.

It is currently mid-season and sales will not start again until the fall. Today, for example, Castanea Sativa (sweet chestnut), cork oaks (Quercus suber) and sessile oaks are planted. It’s a lot of fun, and the species will survive even 1.5 degrees.

Acorns City climate suitable
DocKalle
8.2.2024: Quercus palustris (swamp oak)

Quercus palustris (swamp oak) is a deciduous tree. In rare cases, it can grow up to 35 meters high. It is relatively short-lived and “only” lives to around 200 years (maximum).

It is originally native to eastern North America. As the name suggests, it can easily withstand several weeks of flooding. Its wood is often used for railroad tracks. Outside North America, the wood is rarely processed industrially due to its limited availability and very low distribution in the forestry industry. In Europe it is sometimes found in parks.

Store: https://quercus.guru/produkt/quercus-palustris/

Quercus palustris
Quercus palustris
Quercus palustris
Quercus palustris
Quercus palustris
Quercus palustris
Quercus palustris
Quercus palustris
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