Notice of release of Ekalaka Germplasm bur oak selected class pre-varietal release

A Selected Class pre-varietal release of bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx. [Fagaceae]) designated as Ekalaka Germplasm bur oak has been released for use in the Northern Great Plains and Intermountain West for windbreaks, shelter-belts, riparian forest buffers, wildlife habitat plantings, Xeriscapes®, and other conservation plantings. This selection is a bulk of 9 indigenous seed sources from Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota selected for superior percentage survival, rate of height growth, and vigor rating compared with other seed sources tested at Bridger, Montana. Ekalaka Germplasm bur oak can be used in many conservation applications in place of Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L. [Elaeagnaceae]) and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. [Oleaceae]) given adequate soil aeration and low salinity.