Overview
Quercus petraea is a spreading branched deciduous tree in the genus Quercus, part of the Fagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 40.0 m tall. Quercus petraea grows best in full sun, and tolerates loamy and clay soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include parkland and large gardens. It is native to Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia and France.
About
Quercus petraea, commonly known as the sessile oak, Welsh oak, Cornish oak, Irish oak or durmast oak, is a species of deciduous oak tree native to most of Europe and into Anatolia and Iran. The sessile oak is the national tree of Ireland, and an unofficial emblem in Wales and Cornwall.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Quercus petraea
About the genus
An oak is a hardwood tree or shrub in the genus Quercus of the beech family. They have spirally arranged leaves, often with lobed edges, and a nut called an acorn, borne within a cup. The genus is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, with some 500 species, both deciduous and evergreen.
Wikipedia contributors, "Oak", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Oak
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Quercus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Quercus petraea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous tree
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 40.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Parkland, large gardens
- Native to
- Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, France
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Quercus petraea
- Propagation
- Seed, sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame
- Pest resistance
- Oak processionary moth, Aphids, Caterpillars, Leaf-mining moths, Oak gall wasps
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Quercus petraea?
Quercus petraea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Quercus petraea need?
Quercus petraea grows best in loamy and clay soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How big does Quercus petraea grow?
Quercus petraea reaches a height of 40.0 m.
Is Quercus petraea hardy in the UK?
Quercus petraea has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Quercus petraea?
Seed, sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame.
