Explore the captivating beauty of Quercus faginea subsp. faginea, commonly known as Portuguese Oak. This medium-sized deciduous or semi-evergreen tree, native to the western Mediterranean region in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, impressively stands up to 65 ft tall with a trunk diameter of 2.5 ft. It is esteemed for its impressive longevity, with some living up to 600 years. Thriving in a variety of soils and climates, it is found flourishing in altitudes ranging from 0–6,200 ft. The leaves are a striking glossy dark green to grey-green color, felted grey-white below, boasting 5-12 pairs of irregular teeth. The tree also produces oblong-ovoid acorns between March and April that mature in 6 months. Adapted to cold climates, it flourishes in Zone 7 without susceptibility to powdery mildew. Despite some initial confusion in the naming of this tree, it has been definitively listed as Q.faginea subsp. faginea, solidifying its unique identity in nature's impressive catalog.
