Quercus plant named ‘CORLEY'S FIRECRACKER’

Abstract

A new and distinct Quercus cultivar named ‘CORLEY'S FIRECRACKER’ is disclosed, characterized by having a broad pyramidal, moderately compact growth habit and red new growth, both in Spring and Summer. The new variety is a Quercus, normally produced as a small ornamental tree or shrub.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Quercus plant named ‘CORLEY'S FIRECRACKER’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical plant of ‘FIRECRACKER’ grown outdoors, during mid-Spring. Age of the plant photographed is approximately 8 years.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates Summer new growth of a branch, including both new growth beginning to shift to green, as well as mature green foliage lower on the branch.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates the red coloration of new foliage.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a tree of approximately 2 to 3 years old having red new growth, and mature green foliage.

(5) The photograph was taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(6) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2007 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘CORLEY'S FIRECRACKER’ plants grown outdoors in Monticello, Fla. Growing conditions are similar to USDA Zone 8b. Age of the plants when described is approximately 1 year old. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Quercus nuttallii ‘CORLEY'S FIRECRACKER’.

PROPAGATION

(7) Time to initiate roots: About 6 to 8 weeks at approximately 24° C. Root description: Typical Quercus root, woody, smaller roots fibrous. Roots brown, color not accurately measured with R.H.S. chart.

PLANT

(8) Growth habit: Broadly pyramidal, medium sized deciduous tree. Pot size of described plant: 3 gallon pot. Height: Approximately 1 meter after 1 year. Plant spread: Approximately 0.5 meters after 1 year. Branching characteristics: Branching forming approximately 10 cm to 20 cm apart, in an opposite to whorled pattern. Branching angle approximately 45° to 90° from trunk. Individual branch characteristics (of 1 year old tree): Length.—Up to 25 cm. Diameter.—Up to 0.4 cm. Texture.—Smooth and very slightly glaucous. Color.—Near RHS Greyed-Purple N186A. Trunk: Diameter.—Approximately 1 cm, after 1 year. Measured approximately 10 cm above the ground. Texture.—Glabrous with lenticels. Glaucous on older trunk, closest to trunk base. Glaucous characteristic reduced on younger trunk, to nearly absent at top. Younger trunk ridged, with scant or no lenticels. Color.—Near RHS Greyed-Purple N186B. Glaucous covering of lower trunk near RHS Greyed-Purple N187D. Lenticles.—Irregular ovate. Approximately 2 to 3 mm long, about 1 mm wide.

FOLIAGE

(9) Leaf: Arrangement.—Alternate, forming a loose spiral. Average length.—Approximately 15.0 to 21.0 cm. Average width.—Approximately 4.5 to 7.0 cm. Shape of blade.—Overall shape elliptic, deeply lobed. Typically 7 to 10 irregularly shaped and sized lobes. Lobe depth average range from approximately 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm. Lobe with average range from approximately 1.0 cm to 3.0 cm. Apex.—Acute to acuminate. Base.—Attenuate. Margin.—Entire. Texture of top surface.—Glabrous, with matte appearance. Texture of lower surface.—Glabrous, with matte appearance. Leaf internode length.—Average range 1.5 cm to 3 cm. Color.—Spring new foliage. Upper side: Near RHS Greyed-Red 182A background, heavily flushed 53A. Under side: Near RHS Red 46C. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 139A. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Green 137C. Fall Coloration: No change in coloration observed during the Fall in Monticello, Fla. Dormant Leaf Buds: Shape: Irregular ovate. Size: Average range 4 to 11 mm in length, 3 to 6 mm in diameter. Color: Near RHS Greyed-Purple 183A. Foliage: Venation.—Type: Pinnate. Color: Young foliage: Venation color upper side: Near RHS Red 53A. Venation color under side: Near RHS Red 46A. Mature foliage: Venation color upper side: Near RHS Greyed-Purple 184A. Venation color under side: Near RHS Green-Yellow 1C. Petiole: Length: Average range 1.0 to 2.5 cm. Diameter: 2 mm. Color Young foliage: Near Red 53A. Mature foliage: Near Greyed-Purple 187B.

FLOWER

(10) General: Monoecious wind pollinate flowers occur in Spring, female flower appear approximately 2 weeks after male catkins. Male flowers.—Catkins, approximately 6 to 14 cm long and 2 to 5 cm wide. Composed of on average 10 to 18 strands of 20 to 60 staminate flowers. Flowers approximately 2 mm in diameter, colored near Yellow-Green N144A. Female flowers.—Inconspicuous, minute, occurring in leaf axils. Flower approximately 2 to 4 mm in diameter, colored near Greyed-Red 178A, turning Greyed-Orange 174A.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(11) Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to pathogens and pests common to Quercus have been observed. Temperature tolerance: The new variety is suitable for growing in USDA zones 5 through 9.