Georgia Oak (Quercus georgiana)

Georgia Oak (Quercus georgiana), also known as Stone Mountain Oak, is a striking perennial tree belonging to the Fagaceae family. Native to regions from North Carolina to Northern Alabama, this species plays a vital role in the southeastern United States’ forest ecosystems.

Reaching heights of up to 18 meters, Georgia oak is prized for its durable and attractive wood, commonly used in furniture, flooring, and construction. Its acorns serve as a crucial food source for birds and mammals, while the tree itself offers valuable habitat for wildlife. Additionally, it contributes to erosion control, making it an essential part of its natural environment.

Common name	Georgia Oak, Stone Mountain Oak
Botanical name	Quercus georgiana
Family	Fagaceae
Species	georgiana
Origin	North Carolina to Northern Alabama
Life cycle	Perennial
Plant type	Native Plant
Hardiness zone	5, 6, 7, 8
Sunlight	Full Sun
Maintenance	Medium
Soil condition	Clay
Soil ph	Acid
Drainage	Well-Drained
Growth rate	Slow
Spacing	24 – 60 ft.
Harvest time	Fall
Flowering period	Spring
Height	26 ft. – 50 ft.
Flower color	Gold, Yellow
Leaf color	Gold, Yellow
Fruit color	Brown, Copper
Stem color	Brown, Copper
Fruit type	Nut
Garden style	Butterfly Garden
Uses	Lawn

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Quercus georgiana, the Georgia oak or Stone Mountain oak, is a rare deciduous red oak, native to the southeastern United States.

The tree was first discovered in 1849 at Stone Mountain, Georgia, where several stands of pure specimens grow along the popular walk-up trail at around 400 m (1,300 ft), near the large chestnut oak in the middle of the trail and before the rest pavilion halfway up the trail. Georgia oaks are also found at nearby monadnocks, including Panola Mountain and Arabia Mountain in Georgia.

Quercus georgiana is a small tree, often shrubby in the wild, growing to 8–15 meters (26–49 feet) tall. It is classified in the red oak section of the Quercus sect. Lobatae.

Leaves

The shiny green leaves are 4–13 centimeters (1+1⁄2–5 inches) long and 2–9 cm (1–3+1⁄2 in) wide, with a 0.6–2.3 cm (1⁄4–1 in) petiole, and five irregular, pointed, bristle-tipped lobes; they are glabrous (hairless), except for small but conspicuous tufts of hairs in the vein axils on the underside. The leaves turn dark red to brown in the autumn, stay on the tree throughout the winter, and fall as the new leaves bud in the spring.

Flowering and fruiting

Like all oaks, flowering and leaf-out occur in late spring when all frost danger has passed. The flowers are monoecious catkins which, being self-incompatible, require the presence of another oak for pollination.

The acorns are round, 9–14 millimeters (3⁄8–1⁄2 inch) long, maturing about 18 months after pollination.

Twigs and buds

Twigs are deep red, 1–2 mm in diameter and glabrous. Terminal buds are red-brown, ovoid to subconic, 2.5–5 mm, and glabrous or with scales somewhat ciliate.

Bark

The bark is gray to light brown, scaly.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Georgia oak should be planted in a field with full sun. It gives shade, shady plants can be planted under it.

Temperature

Georgia 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. Georgia 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

Originating from the moisture-rich environments of its native habitat, georgia oak thrives with consistent hydration. This species is adapted to a balance of water retention and drainage, showcasing moderate drought tolerance. Its watering routine should follow a twice-a-week schedule to mimic the natural precipitation it would receive. As an outdoor deciduous tree, georgia oak requires less water during its dormancy period in the colder months, allowing for nature’s rhythm to dictate its hydration needs.

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

For optimal growth, georgia oak benefits from fertilization that promotes strong root and shoot development. Use balanced nutrition fertilizers, but shift to high nitrogen formulas in early spring to encourage lush foliar growth. Biannual fertilization, once in spring and again in autumn, suffices. Application rate should align with product guidelines, ensuring no root burn occurs. During active growth, increased frequency can bolster health and vitality, but always observe the plant’s response to avoid overfeeding. In dormant phases, cease fertilizing. Practical tip: Dilute fertilizers to half-strength to minimize risk while ensuring essential nutrient uptake.

Planting Instructions

It may take 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. Georgia 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.

III. Uses and Benefits

It is occasionally cultivated as a specimen or garden tree in USDA plant hardiness zones 5–8. Besides landscape horticulture, the Georgia oak has no commercial uses.