The potential for extending the natural range of cherrybark oak on appropriate sites
This article is part of a larger document. View the larger document here.Abstract
Five cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda) plantations outside its native range spanning 10 to 50 years in age were studied to determine survival, growth rates, and projected yields. The plantations were located from southern Indiana to eastern Tennessee on former agricultural fields or cleared areas adjacent to minor drainages. Soils of these plantations were evaluated to determine if they had similar characteristics to common soils within the cherrybark oak range using the Baker and Broadfoot (1979) site evaluation guide. Plantations were wellstocked with present volumes of 8,000 to 14,000 board feet per acre (International ¼ Rule) depending on age. Plantations were free from insects or disease symptoms. Oak bole quality in these pure species plantations was a concern with branch scars still occluding on the upper butt log. Diameter growth rates were about 3 inches per decade. Cherrybark oak plantings appeared promising on sites east of its native range in Tennessee on suitable sites, but less so on sites north of its native range in southern Indiana due to susceptibility of frost cracks.