About
A spreading, deciduous tree to 20m tall, pyramidal before developing a broad, rounded crown with age. Solitary, nearly spherical acorns are borne in scaly cups. Oblong to lance-shaped, dark green glossy leaves up to 18cm long are unlobed with a slightly undulating edge and bristle-pointed; leaves turn yellow-brown to reddish-brown in autumn.
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 typeClay, Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toC&E USA
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 fertile, deep, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame or by grafting
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