Cork Oak
Quercus suber
Also listed as Quercus cintrana, Quercus corticosa
Also known as Cork Bark Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A long-lived Mediterranean oak prized for its thick, corky bark which is harvested to produce cork. Extremely drought-tolerant and suited to warm climates, it provides excellent wildlife habitat and is a keystone species in cork oak forests.
Why grow it
Cork oak differs from most timber oaks by producing a commercially harvestable bark without tree felling, making it valuable in agroforestry systems. Compared to other drought-tolerant Mediterranean species, it establishes slowly but offers dual benefits of cork production and wildlife value over a 200+ year lifespan. It tolerates poor, sandy, or acidic soils where many oaks struggle, though it requires warm winters and low summer humidity.
Watch out for
Cork oak growth is notably slow, particularly in the first decade, requiring patience before bark becomes harvestable at age 25+. Trees benefit from protection during establishment in cooler or wetter climates than their native range, and mature specimens can be difficult to relocate successfully.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean (Portugal, Spain, North Africa, Italy)
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A long-lived Mediterranean oak prized for its thick, corky bark which is harvested to produce cork. Extremely drought-tolerant and suited to warm climates, it provides excellent wildlife habitat and is a keystone species in cork oak forests.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cork Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Cork oak differs from most timber oaks by producing a commercially harvestable bark without tree felling, making it valuable in agroforestry systems. Compared to other drought-tolerant Mediterranean species, it establishes slowly but offers dual benefits of cork production and wildlife value over a 200+ year lifespan. It tolerates poor, sandy, or acidic soils where many oaks struggle, though it requires warm winters and low summer humidity.
Watch out for
Cork oak growth is notably slow, particularly in the first decade, requiring patience before bark becomes harvestable at age 25+. Trees benefit from protection during establishment in cooler or wetter climates than their native range, and mature specimens can be difficult to relocate successfully.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean (Portugal, Spain, North Africa, Italy)
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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