Quercus canariensis

Height: 19 - 20 m

Algerian Oak is a variable tree coming from southern Europe and north Africa. Because it hybridises freely with English Oaks, most plants in Australia will be intermediate, showing slightly more Algerian Oak characters than English Oak characters. In Melbourne, this tree is frequently evergreen, but as you travel to Mt Macedon, it is obvious that it can also be semi-deciduous to fully-deciduous. This character of evergreen-ness is a product both of minimum autumn night temperatures and amount of hybridisation with English Oaks.

The Algerian Oak is a large-leaved, bold tree growing broader than tall. It is typified by arching, thick branches coming off a squat, strong trunk. The bark is deeply fissured, and dark greyish brown. In the landscape it resembles the English Oak, but Algerian Oaks are bolder in most parts.

Seemingly Algerian Oak is more tolerant of dry skeletal soils than its close relatives. It thrives in the Barossa and can also be found growing extremely well in the Mediterranean climate of Canberra. Australian authors note that Algerian Oak can be found in most soil types, and will grow well in a wide range of climates. Using Algerian Oak in the landscape is limited only by its large size and relatively slow growth habit. If space permits, it can be a striking, long-lived plant for the urban landscape.