An iconic Mediterranean tree, the cork oak blends the strength of the oak family, with a dry climate set of features which include small, leathery leaves (which can sprout from the stems like gums after fire) , short trunk and its famous corky bark–that made corks to once stop wine bottles. This tree also is good for-
- dry sandy, light and granitic soils
- slow and small on tight clays but of medium growth in open soils to around 200 years
- but not for saline or calcareous soils
- drought; hardy to around 350mm p.a., frost hardy to about -10C.
- all-year shade, this tree is evergreen and sheds leaves and replaces in early summer
- leaves are dark, glossy green on top and have grey down underneath
- offers all year low wind breaking
- wood is first rate fuel
- corky bark is a most interesting landscape feature
- slightly frost tender (but tolerates Canberra frosts)
- In the right soils can grow to 25mx 25m, as on Bayside sands in Melbourne.