About
A semi-evergreen medium tree or large shrub, which branches to ground level, reaching around 15m. The leaves are green above, though emerge pale and downy, remaining so on their lower surface. They have a serrated edge for the top half of the leaf and a smooth edge along the base half. If the leaves fall, they become yellow-brown beforehand. Acorns are small and mostly 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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched, Bushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
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 in the most sheltered spot in mild areas. Grow in preferably limey, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light. See tree cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed soon after it drops or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
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