About

A medium-sized deciduous tree to 15m, with glossy green leaves that have pointed lobes and become bright red and orange in autumn before falling.

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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toUSA (Oklahoma, Texas)
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

CultivationSuited to large gardens and parkland. Grow in any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light. For more advice see tree cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed soon after it drops or by hardwood cuttings in autumn. For more advice see Propagate by seed
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