Duratifolia Oak (Quercus duratifolia)

Photo: Neptalí Ramírez MarcialCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Duratifolia Oak Plant Care

Quercus duratifolia C.H.Mull.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This tree's most distinctive feature is its large, glossy, dark green leaves that have a leathery texture. Originating from California, Quercus duratifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its drought resistance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types. Its impressive size and unique foliage make it a standout in any landscape.

🌳Trees
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

50–100°F

Humidity

30–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Duratifolia Oak?

Plant Duratifolia Oak in full sun (USDA zones 9a–11a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F (10–38°C).

Where Is the Duratifolia Oak Native To?

Native range8 countries

What Is the Duratifolia Oak?

Duratifolia Oak (Quercus duratifolia) belongs to the Fagaceae family within the Quercus genus. Duratifolia Oak is native to central and southern Mexico and Central America, from Jalisco to Panama.

Duratifolia Oak displays a large deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 60 ft. Duratifolia Oak produces inconspicuous catkins.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Duratifolia Oak?

Water a young or newly planted Duratifolia Oak every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Duratifolia Oak Need?

Duratifolia Oak thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Duratifolia Oak Prefer?

Quercus duratifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F. Duratifolia Oak prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.

Temperature

50–100°F

Humidity

30–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Duratifolia Oak?

Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Duratifolia Oak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Where Should You Plant a Duratifolia Oak?

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Duratifolia Oak is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Duratifolia Oak?

Duratifolia Oak can spread to about 60 ft (18.3 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 m) tall. Space plants about 60 ft (18.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Duratifolia Oak?

Prune Duratifolia Oak while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Duratifolia Oak in Winter?

Duratifolia Oak is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Duratifolia Oak?

Duratifolia Oak can be propagated through acorns, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to english oak plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Duratifolia Oak Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Duratifolia Oak, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Duratifolia Oak?

Duratifolia Oak is susceptible to oak leaf blister, oak wilt, gypsy moth. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Duratifolia Oak Need?

Duratifolia Oak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Duratifolia Oak is native to central and southern Mexico and Central America, from Jalisco to Panama. In cooler regions, grow Duratifolia Oak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 9a – 11a

Keep exploring plants

Duratifolia Oak is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Quercus genus — compare its care with other Quercus species on PlantoScan.

Quercus is part of the Fagaceae plant family — browse all Fagaceae genera and species.

Duratifolia Oak thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Quercus Species

Other Quercus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Quercus duratifolia C.H.Mull., family Fagaceae (first published in Misc. Publ. U.S.D.A. 477: 50 (1942)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Duratifolia Oak, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Neptalí Ramírez Marcial, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11a, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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