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Quercus pubescens (Fagaceae)

Next to a farmhouse, in an open field, a majestic downy oak has been growing for over 450 years, reaching a trunk circumference of 21 ft and a height of 75.5 ft.

In 2000, the downy oak of Treia Pass was declared a national monument.

Unfortunately, the tree is dying as its phytosanitary conditions are very unstable and the downy oak needs constant care. The trunk is partially hollow, and rainwater stagnates, accelerating the degradation rotting of the wood. To make things worse, this oak is threatened by Cerambyx cerdo and other xylophagous insects.
Furthermore, in August 2010 a powerful downpour broke a large branch, leaving a large wound exposed. The branch was removed, and the wound levelled but the foliage is dramatically unbalanced on one side.

Fortunately, in 2012 the province of Macerata decided to invest 30.000 euros for the safety, the care and the protection of this national monument that struggles to survive every single day.

Botanical Card

This species is found in many parts of the world and it is mainly found in the southern part of Europe. In Italy, the downy oak grows in all the regions.

The species is heliophilic and xerophilic, it can withstand low temperatures but requires hot summers. It grows between 656 ft and 2.624 ft m of altitude, usually south-facing slopes. In particular, it thrives in dry woods and shrubs.

In the north of the peninsula, on calcareous, rocky and well-drained soils, it is associated with ash, hornbeam and black pine. In the centre and the south, it only grows in the lower part of the holm oak woods and in the upper part of the Turkey oak woods.

The wood of this species is harder and heavier than other oaks; its fibres tend to detach and for that reason, it is less favoured by carpenters and artisans. It burns perfectly and produces excellent coal.

Photo source: http://www.florablog.it/2011/04/29/alberi-monumentali-la-roverella-di-passo-di-treia-mc/

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)