About

A slow-growing, large, deciduous tree with an open, spreading crown and large, lobed leaves which are bright yellow when young, turning green by midsummer. Yellow leaf colour is more pronounced when grown in an open position. Brown acorns are produced in autumn.

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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

CultivationPerforms best in a sunny, sheltered position, with a deep, fertile, well-drained soil. A fast-growing spreading deciduous tree. Requires lime-free soil
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, sowing as soon as ripe, in a coldframe or grafting in mid-autumn or early winter
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