About

Quercus griffithii, Griffith's oak, is a large deciduous tree to 25 m producing glossy leaves that emerge coppery-red in spring, maturing to green with strongly toothed edges, then turning yellow-brown in autumn. A rewarding and ornamental oak for a well-drained, sunny garden.

About the genus

Quercus, the oaks, are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs with characteristic acorn fruits, lobed or toothed leaves and inconspicuous flowers. Among the most important, long-lived and ornamental of all trees.

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 typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
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. Needs good summer weather. 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