About
An evergreen spreading tree to 25m in milder areas, though in colder winters it may keep leaves brown on the tree until new ones develop in spring, or in severe cold, drop them in December. The leaves are dark green above, pale and downy below and of an extraordinarily varied shape - everything from nearly whole, to symmetrically lobed to wildly asymmetric.
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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageSemi evergreen
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, but likes it best slightly alkaline. Ensure 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