About
Inconspicuous flowers in spring become 1-3 acorns in autumn They are held in scaley cups which cover at least half of the acorn. A large, fast-growing deciduous tree to 30m. The leaves are large - around 12cm long and have a long stalk. They are deeply lobed - right to the centre vein - each with further lobes at the end giving a lacey appearance. They are dark green on upper surface pale green below and turn yellow-brown 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
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
CultivationSuited to large gardens and parkland. Grow in any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light. For more information see tree cultivation.
PruningPruning group1
PropagationPropagate by seed soon after it drops or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews amd honey fungus