Overview
Quercus lobata is a spreading branched trees in the genus Quercus, part of the Fagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Quercus lobata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural.
About
Quercus lobata, commonly called the valley oak or roble, is the largest of the California oaks. It is endemic to the state, growing in interior valleys and foothills from Siskiyou to San Diego counties. Its thick, ridged bark (resembling alligator hide) and deeply lobed leaves are characteristic, and assist in identification. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for architectural. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Quercus lobata
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Quercus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Quercus lobata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Quercus lobata
- Propagation
- Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Quercus lobata?
Quercus lobata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Quercus lobata need?
Quercus lobata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Quercus lobata hardy in the UK?
Quercus lobata has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Quercus lobata?
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn.
More in the Quercus genus
- Quercus acutissimaJapanese silkworm oak
- Quercus aucheriboz pirnal oak
- Quercus cerris 'Afyon Lace'Turkey oak 'Afyon Lace'
- Quercus chrysolepismaul oak
- Quercus frainetto 'Tortworth'
- Quercus gambeliiGambel oak
- Quercus garryanaOregon white oak
- Quercus georgianaGeorgia oak
