What is a cultivar?

A cultivar is a named plant which is genetically identical to all other like named plants and has been reproduced vegatively from a common parent.

In other words, cultivars are cloned plants which are named and have specific and reliable qualities due to common genetics. In the case of live oaks, they are grown from cuttings.

Why are live oak cultivars desirable?

Live oaks grown from acorns are highly variable in their development. Also, there are several varietal forms of live oaks (Quercus virginiana) as well as hybrid crosses with other quercus species which contributes to even greater variability. Therefore, we have recently seen much interest in the selection (and successful propagation) of live oak cultivars which satisfy the expectations of industry professionals. These qualities include: consistency in growth rate and eventual size, structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, expediency in production, and ease of long term maintenance.

Florida has Grades and Standards which provide criteria used to evaluate (grade) trees and plants. These measures (standards), and aesthetic considerations, have guided us in the selection of live oak cultivars at Fish Branch Tree Farm, Inc.

What are we doing at Fish Branch Tree Farm?

We have chosen to grow three different live oak cultivars. Each of these trees has subtle, unique characteristics which might seem insignificant to the non-professional. However, these differences distinguish each cultivar and provide us with opportunities to make selections based on specific applications.

At Fish Branch Tree Farm we are proud to grow the following Cultivar Live Oaks:

Boardwalk Live Oak®
Cathedral Live Oak®
Park Side Live Oak®