About
A semi-evergreen, bushy tree with a broadly ovate crown and thick, fissured bark, eventually reaching up to around 14m high. Oblong to ovate leaves are up to 12cm long with a leathery texture and 6-9 shallow lobes. The dark green leaves have a greyish-green felty underside and often persist on the trees until spring unless the winter weather is very severe.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal
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 deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Trees should retain leaves throughout winter once established unless planted in very exposed positions or subjected to prolonged, severe winter weather. See tree cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by grafting in mid-autumn or late 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