About
This medium to large tree to approximately 20m. In the wild it is deciduous or semi-evergreen, but it seems evergreen in cultivation. The leaves emerge covered in a bright red down, becoming dark glossy green above, paler below. When it does lose its leaves, they turn yellow and fall just before the new leaves emerge.
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, Semi evergreen, Evergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toC Mexico
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. Needs good summer temperatues. For more advice see tree cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn or by sowing seed soon after it drops. For more advice see propagating from seed (tree/shrub
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