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Flowering and Flower Maturation in Valley Oak Quercus lobata
Walter D Koenig1, Ian S Pearse2, Mario B Pesendorfer3
1Hastings Reservation University of California Berkeley Carmel Valley California USA.
Ecology and Evolution
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Valley oak (Quercus lobata) flowering and acorn production are influenced by rainfall, temperature, and prior year acorn crops. Flower maturation, not just abundance, is key to masting in this species.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Botany
- Forest Science
Background:
- Masting, the synchronized production of seeds by perennial plants, is a widespread phenomenon.
- Understanding the drivers of flowering and its subsequent impact on reproduction is crucial for forest ecology.
- Valley oak (Quercus lobata) is a keystone species in California ecosystems, yet its reproductive strategies are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing flowering and flower maturation in Quercus lobata.
- To determine the effects of flowering and maturation on acorn production at annual and individual tree levels.
- To explore the relationship between environmental factors, resource availability, and reproductive output in valley oaks.
Main Methods:
- Field observations and data collection on flowering and acorn production over multiple years.
- Statistical analysis to correlate environmental variables (rainfall, temperature) and tree-specific factors (groundwater access, microclimate) with reproductive success.
- Assessment of the relative importance of flower abundance and flower maturation on acorn yield.
Main Results:
- Female flower production was negatively correlated with rainfall; warm springs and previous large acorn crops reduced flower maturation.
- Individual trees with better groundwater access and warmer microclimates produced more male and female flowers.
- Flower maturation, along with male and female flower abundance, significantly explained variance in acorn production, confirming Quercus lobata as a masting species.
Conclusions:
- Masting behavior in Quercus lobata is driven by a complex interplay of environmental factors and resource availability affecting both flower initiation and maturation.
- Flower maturation is a critical, often overlooked, component of reproductive success and masting in perennial plants.
- Further empirical research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying flowering, fertilization, and maturation in masting species.
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