About
Quercus pyrenaica, the Pyrenean oak, is a large, spreading, deciduous tree with a broadly rounded crown of often drooping branches. Long, drooping male catkins turn from grey to gold in late spring, followed by clusters of acorns. The broad, deeply lobed, toothed leaves to 16 cm long are dark, glossy green above with felted, greyish-green undersides. A handsome and dramatic oak for a large, 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, Partial shade
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 hardinessH6
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
CultivationGrow in full sun or part shade in a deep, well drained soil. See tree cultivation for further advice. See tree cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed 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