About
In spring the male catkins are numerous and quite long, making them more visible than most. A large, fast-growing evergreen or semi-evergreen tree to 30m. Glossy dark green leaves have serrated eges with small bristles. The bark is an attractive dark red-brown.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 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. 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 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