About
A very slow-growing shrub or small evergreen tree. The leaves are almost round in shape, dark glossy green on top and pale green below. On the outside of the bush, the leaves are very spiny but smooth-edged on the inside. The acorns are small and round and more than half covered by their cup.
About the genus
Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitSpreading branched, Bushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light. For more advice see tree cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate from seed, soon after it drops.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus