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Fagaceae
Kermes Oak Flower
Quercus coccifera
Endurance through adversity.
- Family
- Fagaceae
- Genus
- Quercus
- Native to
- Mediterranean region, Southern Europe, North Africa
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Type
- shrub
- Height
- 3-20 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- dry, rocky, calcareous
- Water
- low
- Hardiness
- 7-10
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The tree is named after the kermes scale insect that lives on it and was harvested for centuries to produce a brilliant crimson dye.
- Kermes dye was so valuable in ancient Rome that it was used as a form of tax payment in several provinces.
- The spiny, holly-like leaves are an adaptation to prevent grazing by goats and other animals in the Mediterranean scrublands.
- It is one of the most fire-resistant shrubs in the Mediterranean, able to resprout vigorously from its roots after wildfire.
- Some specimens are believed to be over 1,000 years old despite their modest size, growing extremely slowly in harsh conditions.
Color meanings
0
strength
1
endurance
2
heritage