About
A small to medium, evergreen tree or large shrub, reaching around 12m in height. Acorns have a cup with long shaggy scales.. They have a rounded shape with slightly serrated edges at first, followed by longer, smooth-edged leaves as they mature. The leaves are green above, emerging pale and downy and remaining so on their lower surface.
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
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitSpreading branched, Bushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toC & SW China
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 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