About
The real flowers are inconspicuous but become acorns which show clearly amongst the leaves. A very unusual form of small deciduous tree, slowly reaching approximately 10m. The leaves are much reduced and a bit twisted, giving a kind of ribbony appearance. They form clusters at the branch ends which, with the fresh yellow-green leaves in spring, look a bit like blossom.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 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
CultivationSuited to small-medium gardens. Grows in any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light. For more information see tree cultivation.
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in autunm
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