About
Quercus semecarpifolia, the brown oak, is an evergreen, rounded tree with brownish-grey, deeply fissured bark reaching heights over 20 m in mild, sheltered conditions. Leathery, oblong to elliptic leaves to 11 cm, often with spiny and wavy margins on young plants, become dark, glossy green with age. Rounded acorns are borne singly or in clusters in shallowly bowl-shaped cups. A handsome and architectural evergreen oak for a sheltered, 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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toAfghanistan to Thailand
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 any deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. See tree cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or seed, soon after it drops
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