Ring-cupped Oak Quercus glauca

Names

• Synonyms

  Blue Japanese Oak, Ring-Cupped Oak, Japanese Blue Oak, Japanese Evergreen Oak.

• Common names

  Cyclobalanopsis glauca, Quercus acutissima, Quercus bambusifolia, Quercus bengalensis, Quercus dealbata, Quercus harae, Quercus myrsinifolia, Quercus neglecta, Quercus phillyraeoides, Quercus serrata, Quercus thunbergii, Quercus wutaishanica

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common name for Quercus glauca is Ring-Cupped Oak. There are over 500 species of oak trees, and while acorns and oak leaves can sometimes cause issues for humans if ingested in large quantities due to the presence of tannins and other compounds like phenolics, the toxicity is generally low. The symptoms of oak poisoning typically include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and rarely, kidney damage due to the long-term ingestion of large amounts of oak material. The toxicity of Ring-Cupped Oak to humans is not commonly reported, but it is advisable to avoid ingestion of parts of any oak tree to prevent any potential adverse effects.

• To pets

  The Ring-Cupped Oak's toxicity carries over to pets, with concern primarily related to the ingestion of acorns or leaves. Dogs, cats, and horses, can experience oak toxicity. Symptoms in pets, primarily in dogs and horses, can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In more severe cases, it may lead to kidney damage due to the high tannin content. If a pet ingests a substantial amount of acorns or oak leaves, it is important to seek veterinary attention, as early treatment can prevent more serious complications.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellowish-green

• Height

  20-30 feet (6-9 meters)

• Spread

  15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  7

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Ecosystem Support: Quercus glauca provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including insects, birds, and small mammals.
• Shade and Cooling: Its canopy offers shade, creating cooler microclimates which can be beneficial in urban and garden settings.
• Soil Improvement: The leaves and bark decompose to enrich the soil with organic matter, improving soil quality and structure.
• Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes and banks.
• Aesthetic Value: With its evergreen foliage and attractive form, Quercus glauca is often used in landscaping for ornamental purposes.
• Carbon Sequestration: As a large perennial tree, it absorbs carbon dioxide, contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
• Wood Production: Quercus glauca wood is valued for its durability and is used in construction and furniture making.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Compounds in Quercus glauca may help reduce inflammation.
• Antidiarrheal: The plant has been used to treat diarrhea.
• Antimicrobial: It has properties that may inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
• Astringent: The bark is considered to have astringent properties, which can help to tighten tissues and reduce secretions.
• Hemostatic: Traditionally, it may have been used to stop bleeding.
• Liver protection: There is some suggestion that the plant may have hepatoprotective effects.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Quercus glauca, commonly known as the blue Japanese oak, has durable wood that can be used in furniture making and interior joinery, offering a sturdy and aesthetic quality to household furnishings.
• The acorns of blue Japanese oak can be processed to make a flour substitute which, after leaching out tannins, can be used in cooking for those interested in foraging and traditional food practices.
• The tree's bark has been used historically in tanning leather, with the tannins it contains helping to convert animal hides into durable leather goods.
• Wood from blue Japanese oak can be utilized in the construction of traditional Japanese buildings, valued for its strength and resistance to rot.
• Blue Japanese oak makes excellent firewood due to its ability to burn hot and slow, providing warmth and a cooking heat source in rural areas.
• Leaves of the blue Japanese oak serve as good litter material for composting, enriching the soil with organic matter as they decompose.
• Quercus glauca can be used in bonsai cultivation, with enthusiasts appreciating its leaf size and bark texture for creating miniature landscapes.
• The wood can also serve as raw material for the production of wood chips used in gardening and landscaping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
• The dense canopy of blue Japanese oak provides shade in coffee plantations, sheltering the understory crops from intense sunlight and helping to create a suitable microclimate for coffee growth.
• Acorns of the blue Japanese oak, once leached of tannins, are used in some Asian cuisines to create acorn jelly, known as dotorimuk in Korean cuisine, which is a traditional dish with a unique texture.

Feng Shui

The Ring-cupped oak is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Ring-cupped oak is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Strength: As a species of oak tree, Quercus glauca, commonly known as the Ring-Cupped Oak, embodies the universal symbolism of oaks as icons of durability and endurance.
• Longevity: Ring-Cupped Oaks can live for hundreds of years, representing the ability to withstand the test of time.
• Wisdom: In various cultures, oaks are considered wise due to their old age and the intricate ecosystems that thrive within them.
• Resilience: The Ring-Cupped Oak exhibits remarkable resilience, adapting to various climates, symbolizing the ability to persevere through challenges.
• Nobility: Oaks have often been associated with nobility and royalty, and Quercus glauca shares this representation due to its majestic presence.
• Stability: The strong roots of the Ring-Cupped Oak mirror the idea of stability and being grounded in one's life or beliefs.