About
Quercus castaneifolia, the chestnut-leaved oak, is a large, spreading, deciduous tree to 35 m. The 15 cm leaves emerge slightly coppery in spring, become glossy green and turn yellow-brown in autumn; the acorns are held in mossy-looking cups. A magnificent and architectural specimen tree for a large, sunny garden.
About the genus
Quercus, the oaks, are a large genus of deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; inconspicuous flowers; and characteristic acorn fruits, sometimes with good autumn colour. Many are long-lived, wildlife-supporting specimen trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toCaucasus to Iran
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 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