Have you ever heard of “shorts”, affectionately speaking, this expression is used to talk about small but cute people. This happens with the short tree which is really an oak. Specifically, we are faced with the holm oak Quercus ilex, which reaches a medium height and is low, which does not exceed 10 meters in height but imposing for its lushness and intensity of colors.
It is easy to confuse the chaparro with the quercus coccifera, due to the appearance of its leafy bushes, but there are differences. Next, we are going to explain everything about this beautiful specimen that brings us many benefits, both in terms of its fruits, food for livestock, and the use of its wood.
We are facing one of the most interesting perennial trees and the widespread species in the Mediterranean like many others and even in different parts of the world where it has been taken because it has managed to capture the attention of travelers who have wanted to take it to their countries.
What is the short tree like?
There are some characteristics that reveal to us that we are facing a short tree or the species Quercus ilex. For example, the first thing we can see about this small oak is that it is very compact and has very dense foliage. If we find it in the forest, the holm oak, as it is also called, can measure approximately 10 meters. But be careful because things vary when the species is planted in a garden and here its growth can be stopped much sooner, depending on the conditions of the place where it is. However, this does not take away from its beauty.
All the chaparro leaves oval in shape and leathery with two shades of green, one more intense at the top of the glass and another lighter green as it goes down.
Where the chaparro tree grows
We have advanced this information just a few lines ago, but we repeat this because it is important to emphasize that this oak needs typical conditions of the mild weather. It tolerates summer heat and moderate cold winter temperatures well, but does not tolerate extreme cold so well. This is why it is not advisable to try to grow a quercus ilex in Canada, for example. If he could talk, the short guy would tell us that he wants to live in temperate climates like those offered by the countries that make up the Mediterranean area.
What are the benefits of the chaparro tree
La holm oak quercus ilex or chaparra It is an attractive tree to have in parks and gardens, which is why it is usually chosen when looking for a leafy, shady species that provides shelter and attracts with its intense green tones and a lively appearance. A beautiful lung that offers us its embrace all year round thanks to its evergreen that never fall off and that are wearing their shades all year round.
In times of drought, having a tree that withstands these extreme conditions is a treasure. The chaparro does not require water when there is none because it endures with little maintenance. Great news, without a doubt, these days and an advantage if we want to plant the oak in places where irrigation may not be frequent, for whatever reasons.
In addition to tolerate drought, The chaparro produces fruit and provides excellent wood.
Fruits that feed livestock and much more
Do you have a garden and want birds to come to you? Or a piece of land with livestock and are you thinking about planting trees that will allow you to feed your animals without spending a lot of money? Bet on the chaparro oak.
El shorty, like a good oak, produces fantastic fruits, which are acorns and these are a very attractive food source for wildlife. Pigs, wild boars, goats, squirrels and some species of birds, such as the woodpecker, feed on them. If you like to feel surrounded by nature and enjoy the company of animals or, if you are dedicated to livestock, you are interested in having quercus ilex on your land.
Quercus ilex is a strong and healthy tree
El chaparro is a strong tree which resists diseases and pests very well. Another great advantage when it comes to having one, because you will not have to constantly be aware of it and having to resort to expensive and tedious methods to control pests or to cure its health problems.
Holm oak wood, one of the best
Oak wood is one of the best, very hard and resistant to humidity, which also offers an attractive aesthetic due to its reddish-brown veins. It is one of the most used to manufacture furniture of all types.
Do you want to have a shorty? These are the care you need
If you are liking the shorty and you are thinking about sowing or planting some specimens, take into account these tips for their care:
Place the quercus ilex in a place where the sun shines or is partially between sun and shade. Never leave it in the dark, because it needs light.
It needs arid, well-drained soils where there is no humidity, as it does not tolerate waterlogging.
Did you just sow a crop? Water it regularly until it is 1 year old. After this time, space out the watering and it will be enough to provide it with water from time to time. Since it is a tree for dry soils, it does not need frequent watering.
As for pruning the bush, this tree does not need pruning, but if there are many dead or bad branches, it will always appreciate if you eliminate them. This way it can be renewed, it will use fewer resources and, in turn, it will have a much more beautiful appearance.
An important detail to keep in mind is that these specimens tolerate frost very poorly. So, if they are planted in very cold climates, you will have to cover the soil to prevent it from freezing and the roots from freezing.
The chaparro It is a very grateful tree, which with little care you will be able to see it grow and enjoy its luxuriance, its beauty and its shade, as well as its beautiful green tones and, of course, its magnificent acorns.