About
This semi-evergreen, spreading tree up to around 16m tall with oblong to elliptic leaves up to 12cm long, toothed or sometimes wavy-edged and held on stalks to 2.5cm long. Insignificant spring flowers may be followed by relatively long, pointed acorns.
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 hardinessH5
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
CultivationGrow in fertile, deep, well-drained soil in full sun. See tree cultivation for further advice
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