I tried to include all the Oaks growing in temperate climates...there are also a massive number of Oaks native to mountain forests of Mexico. Some of these also thrive in cool maritime climates with mild winters such as warmer parts of the British Isles which actually mimic cloud forest habitats. I highly recommend checking out this external website about the Oaks which grow in the largest collection of these trees in the world ( http://www.oaksofchevithornebarton.com ).
* photo of unknown internet source
* Oaks in central Texas
Many Oaks are both fast growing and an investment that will last for many centuries. The wood is also extremely valuable for furniture and paneling. Never use insecticides, fungicides or bactericides near an Oak. Root disturbance such as regrading or ditch digging can kill. 1 inch of fill during regrading can kill an Oak by suffocating the roots. Drip irrigation is not recommended. Water more than once a week can cause chlorosis or kill. Roundup on weeds surrounding an Oak is ok. The fact that Oaks like to be left alone may also be one of the highest qualities. They withstand drought and bad soil better than almost any other tree and on good sites can be very fast growing and extremely long lived. They add permanence to the landscape.
Prune while dormant. Some early pruning may be needed to establish a strong trunk.
Do NOT throw away old Oak leaves, they make excellent soil amendments and mulch ( only slightly acidifies soil contrary to what many believe ). You can easily shred them by letting them dry on the lawn then repeatedly running them over with the lawn mower.
Here are a few of the many types of Oaks that make awesome landscape plants.
Oak, Algerian ( Quercus canariensis )
A huge deciduous tree native to southern Portugal, Spain and northern Africa.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 5 feet; 5 years - 13 feet; 6 years - 18 feet; 9 years - 22 feet; 20 years - 50 x 27 feet; 30 years- 75 feet; 100 years - trunk diameter of 5.5 feet; 110 years - 120 x 120 feet; 119 years - trunk diameter of 6.6 feet; largest on record - 135 x 120 feet with a trunk diameter of 6.5 feet. It is long-lived, persisting up to 300 years.
The shallowly-toothed, oval large leaves, up to 8 x 5 inches in size, are deep green above, whitish beneath. The leaves are often green until Christmas then turn yellow-brown and often last even until Febuary.
The flowers borne during late spring are drooping yellow-green catkins.
The dark gray bark is deeply fissured into square rough plates.
It is hardy from zone 7 to 10 ( tolerates to - 4 F ) eliminating its use in the north east and Midwestern U.S. Great in the South! It is both heat and drought tolorant and succeeds equally well on both heavy clay and shallow limey or chalk soil.
* photo taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
Oak, Aleppo ( Quercus infectoria )
Native to Greece and Turkey; this is a semi-evergreen small tree, reaching up to 33 x 20 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet.
The spiny-toothed, oblong leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are smooth and glossy deep blue-green.
The bark is gray, scaly and deeply fissured.
Hardy from zone 6 to 10. Extremely heat tolerant, it grows much slower in the cooler summers of the British Isles.
subsp. veneris
Basically the same "on steroids". From Asia Minor; it has larger leaves to 5 x 3 inches. Reaching up to 50 feet; the largest trees known reach up to
66 x 120 feet with trunk diameters of 7 feet! Not native to England but adaptable and is known to reach 60 feet in height and 2 feet in diameter. Not much known on growth rate and it should be tested in the U.S.
Oak, Arizona ( Quercus arizonica )
Native to the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico south into central Mexico; this tough Oak becomes a large tree on good sites reaching up to 50 feet though a few much larger trees occur such as in Tonto National Forest in Arizona. The largest trees ever recorded reach up to 100 x 80 feet and 7 feet in trunk diameter. The canopy is rounded and the bark is plated.
The semi-evergreen foliage is broadly oval to 4 x 2 inches with smooth or spiny tipped margins. The leaves are blue-green above and fuzzy, pale yellow-gray below.
The acorns are medium size up to an inch and mature in one season.
Hardy north to zone 6
Oak, Arkansas ( Quercus arkansana )
A moderate growing, large tree, that is native to the southeastern U.S. ( from Arkansas, n Alabama and into central Georgia; south to the Gulf Coast ) where it is rare. Some records include: largest on record - 100 x 105 ( rarely over 82 ) feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
It is a beautiful shade tree that should be much more widely used.
The leaves, up to 6 x 4 inches, are shaped like the Blackjack or Water Oak being smooth-edged to shallowly lobed. The foliage is bright green at first, turning to deep green above, red-brown and covered with fine hairs beneath.
The fissured bark is very dark.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 ( tolerating as low as -22 F ) and is clay, heat tolerant and exceptionally drought tolerant. It is hardy north into the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest and has already reached sizes over 55 feet in England.
Oak, Armenian ( Quercus pontica )
A handsome, slow growing, small tree, that is native to Armenia and the Caucasus where it is rare. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 1.5 feet; 9 years - 8 feet; 20 years - 17 feet; largest on record - 33 x 15 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet. It is a great Oak for the smaller garden.
The large, leathery, oval to obovate, semi-evergreen leaves are strikingly beautiful and are strongly ribbed and toothed. They reach up to 14 x 6 ( rarely over 10 x 5 ) inches and are bright green during spring, turning to glossy deep green above, blue-green beneath, with a yellow leafstalk and midrib. During autumn the foliage turns intense rich yellow to deep red.
The purple-brown thin scaly bark becomes rugged with age.
Hardy from zone 5 to 9; it is hardy even in the Ukraine. Recommended for use in eastern U.S. and Canada.
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Armenian ( Quercus hartwessiana )
A very fast growing, large tree, reaching a maximum height of 120 feet, that is native to from eastern Bulgaria to Turkey; east to the Caucasus.
It is closely related to Quercus petraea but the foliage more closely resembles that of Quercus bicolor ( Swamp White Oak ) of North America with up to 12 shallow lobes on each side. The obovate leaves, up to 8 x 4 inches, are glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it is very flood tolerant and also tolerant of shade.
Oak, Aucheri( Quercus aucheri )
A small, evergreen tree, reaching a maximum height of 33 feet, that is native to Greece and southwest Turkey. It is an excellent patio tree where adapted.
The oblong leaves, up to 1.5 inches in length, are deep green above, white beneath.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 preferring warm dry climates.
Oak, Banj ( Quercus leucotrichophora )
A moderate growing, massive evergreen Oak native to the Himalayas from Afghanistan to northeast Pakistan and Nepal. It can reach a maximum size of 120 x 80 feet with trunk diameters of 10 feet having been recorded. Some records include: 32 years - 57 feet; 80 years- 104 x 66 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. Very rare in the U.S., it holds excellent potential as a street and shade tree.
The leathery leaves, up to 8 x 3 inches, are shaped like that of the native Chinkapin Oak. The attractive foliage is green above, white beneath. Quercus lanata is similar and closely related except with foliage that is rusty-brown beneath.
The bark is smooth and light tan brown becoming lightly furrowed.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
Oak, Bartram's ( Quercus x heterophylla )
A huge tree which is a vigorous hybrid between Quercus phellos & Q. rubra.
It is fast growing, averaging about 30 feet in 15 years, and reaching over 100 feet.
The leaves are up to 6 inches in length.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, it thrives where summers are hot and humid but is also tolerant of cooler summers and has reached 72 feet in Dublin, Ireland.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
Oak, Bear ( Quercus ilicifolia )
A moderate growing, spreading, rounded, deciduous small tree to 20 feet, that is native to the northeast U.S. ( from Niagara region to northern Vermont / New Hampshire & Maine, south to North Carolina mountains ). Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3 feet; 21 years - 20 feet; largest on record - 50 x 32 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.3 feet. One of the largest grows in Romney, West Virginia. It is found in the wild in most of Pennsylvania and occupies all of New Jersey, CT, RI & Mass. often on sand dunes and rock outcrops. Bear Oak is known to regrow after fire and is often scrubby in rocky mountainous areas. The Bear Oak unlike most Oaks can sucker and form thickets. A 200 year old clone in France planted from an acorn now covers several acres.
The oval leaves, up to 6 x 3.5 ( rarely over 4 ) inches, are oval, deeply 3 - 7 ( usually 5 ) wide lobed. The foliage is pinkish at first, turning to glossy deep green above and felted white beneath. The leaves turn to red during autumn and persist until early winter.
The branches are slender and the bark is gray-brown.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on fertile well drained soil.
Oak, Black ( Quercus velutina )
A moderate to fast growing, large deciduous tree, often exceeding 100 feet, with a massive domed crown with slightly ascending branches. It is native to eastern North America from Iowa & Minnesota to central Michigan, Ontario to Maine, south to eastern Texas to central Georgia. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 8 ( rarely over 3 ) feet; largest on record - 200 x 90 feet with a trunk diameter of 11 feet.
Some extremely large trees grow in Algonac, Michigan and E. Granby, Connecticut.
Some additional records include: 23 years - 37 feet; 80 years - 75 x 90 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet; largest in England - 90 feet. Long-lived, it can live up to 300 years.
The large leaves are hard, deeply but irregularly bristle-tip lobed, drooping, glossy deep green above and paler downy beneath. The leaves can be up to 12 x 6 inches in size but usually around 8 x 5 inches. They turn to orange and often red during autumn. The young shoots and buds are downy. The flowers grow in yellow-green catkins up to 6 inches in spring and are followed in fall by small acorns up to 1 inch.
The twigs are drab brown with large, pointed, silvery buds.
The dark gray bark is smooth when young becoming deeply fissured into small squares.
Hardy from zone 3 to 9 growing best on deep, acid, well drained sandy soil. The Black Oak is salt, high heat and drought tolorant but is difficult to transplant due to its deep taproot. If it can be established on site; it is an excellent large shade and street tree. It hates compaction and alkaline soil where the foliage will turn yellow from chlorosis.
* photo taken on April 18 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on July 1 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 31 2011 in Hyde Park, NY
* photo taken on Nov 8 2011 in Columbia, MD
'Albertii'
Very large leaves, up to 16 x 10 inches. It is otherwise similar.
Oak, Blackjack ( Quercus marilandica )
A moderate growing, medium-sized, deciduous tree, averaging 50 feet, that is native to the eastern U.S. ( from Nebraska to Michigan, PA and New Jersey, south to central Texas to northern Florida ). Some records include: largest on record - 100 x 80 feet with a trunk diameter up to 4.5 feet. It is long-lived, persisting up to 430 years.
It is known to have reach as much as 60 feet in the British Isles.
The upside down triangular broad leaves are with 3 lobes near the tips.
The leaves, up to 12 x 12 ( usually half that ) inches, are glossy deep green above, rusty hairy below. The thick foliage turns drab to bright-red during late autumn.
The acorns are oval and up to 0.7 inches.
The bark is thick and dark gray cracking into small square plates.
Hardy from zone 3 to 9 preferring sandy acidic soils. It is very drought, heat and salt tolerant. Difficult to transplant due to deep taproot.
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Blue ( Quercus douglasii )
A large California native that is not prone to Sudden Oak Death ( however there are conflicting reports saying it is prone though less than Tanoak and other "Red Oaks" )
. On ideal sites this Oak grows large with a rounded crown to 80 feet.
Some records include: 22 years - 20 feet; largest on record is 120 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 7 feet. One huge tree grows in southern Alemeda County in California.
Both very drought tolerant and long lived ( up to 500 years ); this Oak makes an excellent urban street tree in the West. It should be planted more especially because unfortunately destruction of its natural habitat has made it endangered in the wild.
The oblong foliage is deciduous and up to 5 x 2 inches in size. The leaves have either smooth margins or 4 to 5 somewhat shallow lobes. They are blue-green ( pale blue below ) in summer and turn an unusual pinkish color in the fall. It is the waxy coating that gives the leaves its bluish cast that also blocks evaporation and helps these trees withstand the long dry summers of Californias Mediterranean climate.
Also with Oaks of the southwest U.S.; vessels that conduct water in stems and roots much be able to withstand unusually great internal tensions
As summer drought progresses, newly formed oak vessels become progressively thicker, harder and more compact, decreasing the likelihood of collapse as
roots withdraw the last droplets of soil-bound moisture.
If water finally becomes too scarce, blue oaks simply drop their leaves, a condition
known as drought deciduous. They will then leaf out the following spring after soaking up winter rains.
Unlike most Red Oaks; the acorns of this tree are tasty and sweet and mature in one season.
The bark is gray-brown and scaly.
Hardy north to zone 6 though there are unverified reports of 5. It is not known to grow in humid summer climates of the eastern U.S. and as far as I know I'm not even sure it has been tried. It is very drought tolerant growing without irrigation once established in regions with 12 to 32 inches of rainfall per year and with soil PH from 4.5 to 7.5.
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Bluejack ( Quercus incana )
A fast growing, small to medium-sized tree, similar to Quercus imbricaria ( Shingle Oak ) in appearance but smaller, and is native to the southeastern U.S. ( from Oklahoma to Virginia and south ). Some records include: 26 years - 41 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 8 inches; largest on record - 80 x 65 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet. Very old trees can somewhat resemble the true Olive in its gnarled appearance. It grows wild though is often stunded in dry pine barrens.
The elliptical leaves, up to 6 x 2 ( rarely over 4 ) inches, are very glossy blue-green above, woolly white beneath. They turn a brilliant flaming orange-red during late fall lasting into December. The new foliage in spring is pinkish in color. In mild climates this tree is semi-evergreen.
The small yellow flower catkins in spring become small acorns to 0.5 inches in the fall.
The bark is red-brown and broken into small blocks.
A real cool patio tree; it is hardy zones 6 to 9 ( reports of 5 & 10 ), requiring acidic soil but is very drought and heat tolerant. Surprisingly, it will grow in southern England which lacks the hot humid summers of its native range.
Oak, Bluff ( Quercus austrina )
Native to the Deep South U.S. though rare from central Texas to North Carolina; it is a large Oak growing to 120 feet tall and 100 feet wide with a trunk diameter to 5.3 feet with a straight habit and a spreading canopy. Its irregular lobed leaves grow to 8 inches long and 5 inches wide, are reddish in spring turning to dark green in summer, then orange to bronze in late fall and early winter. It is related to the White Oak and has whitish bark. A rare native to the southern U.S. - it makes an excellent very drought and urban tolorant shade tree. Also flood and salt tolerant. Fast growing to 3 feet in a year. Hardy zones 4 to 9.
* photos taken on June 19 2010 in Howard County, MD
Oak, Boynton's Post ( Quercus boyntonii )
A miniature Post Oak which forms a rhizomatous shrub to small tree, that is native to sandy pine woods from eastern Texas into Alabama where it is highly endangered to extinct. It can reach a maximum size of 20 feet but rarely exceeds 7 feet.
Some records include: 2 years - 1 foot...little info on growth rates or trials of this rare tree is known.
The obovate leaves, up to 5 x 3.5 ( rarely over 4 x 2.5 ) inches, are glossy deep green above, gray to golden densely-hairy beneath.
The twigs are light brown.
The bark is scaly and brown.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it is extremely drought tolerant and thrives on both acidic and alkaline soil. It enjoys calcium. It is sold by Nearly Native Nursery in Fayetteville, Ga.
Oak, Brandtii ( Quercus brandtii )
Found from Kurdistan to sw. Iran, this is a small semi-evergreen drought tolorant Oak with a round crown that grows to 40 feet tall and wide with a trunk diameter to 32 inches. The leaves grow to 6 x 4 inches with short pointed teeth and are downy below. Hardy from zone 7 to 10
Oak, Bur ( Quercus macrocarpa )
A slow to moderate growing, heavy-set, spreading, large, deciduous tree, that is native to central and eastern North America ( from central Manitoba to Nova Scotia & south to Texas to Virginia ). Some records include: 6 years - 17 x 11 feet; 23 years - 32 feet; 40 years - 50 x 60 feet; 85 years - 67 x 82 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.8 feet. The canopy casts dense shade. It can easily reach 100 feet on good sites and some have reached as large as 170 feet tall and 80 feet wide with trunk diameters up to 9 feet. The Bur Oak can live up to 600 years and there are even unconfirmed reports of trees as large as 240 feet in height and trunk diameters reaching 17 feet in the original old growth hardwood forests that covered the Ohio Valley before 1800. Some extremely large Ontario, Canada trees include 100 feet tall and 7 foot trunk diameter at Burford, Ontario; and 107 feet tall and 6.3 feet in diameter at Wallaceburg. Considering its native range, it grows surprisingly well in maritime climates and a large tree is found in Holland Park in London, England.
The conspicuously lobed, oval leaves, up to 12 x 7 ( rarely over 8 ) inches, are smooth glossy deep green above, pale blue-green and hairy beneath. The foliage usually turns yellow in fall. The leaves when young in addition to young shoots are covered in pale down.
The acorns are large and some Bur Oak have been known to produce 500 pounds of them.
The light brown to gray brown bark is deeply furrowed.
Hardy from zone 2 to 8; this is among the hardiest of all hardwood trees and has been planted successfully as far north as Anchorage, Alaska. There is a 40 foot healthy tree on Muskrat Street in Banff, Alberta where the growing season is only 70 days. Grows well in other parts of Alberta where chinook winds are common also. It is tolerant of salt, urban conditions, extreme heat/drought, fire and storms. The Bur Oak however needs room to grow; its deep wide roots need deeper soil or it will be stunted. Its long taproot that also makes it difficult to transplant. New trees may, after 2 to 3 years of growth, possess a taproot 3 to 6.5 feet deep.
* photo from family photo album - April 1973
* photos taken on April 18 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photo taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photo taken on August 5 2010 near Wallaceburg, Ontario
* photo of unknown internet source
* photo taken on July 31 2011 in Hyde Park, NY
* photo of unknown internet source
'Bebb'
A hybrid between the Bur Oak & Quercus alba White Oak that grows equally huge. It is both vigorous ( average 2 feet per year ) and very soil tolorant and hardy north to zone 4 ( - 30 F ). The leaves look like Quercus alba but are larger to 12 inches with 5 lobes on each side and downy below.
'Boomer'
Fast growing.
'Kreider'
Originating in Illinois; it has huge acorns that are often produced in only 8 years. The acorns are double the average size of most Bur Oak in Michigan.
Fast growing; averaging 18 feet in 8 years.
'Maximus' BUR OAK ON STEROIDS!!!
Hardy at least to -20F with no damage ( lower temperatures are not known to have occured on any testing plots ) and has huge acorns ( 4 acorns to a pound ). The leaves are HUGE from 12 to 18 inches in length and stay green late in the fall!
FAST GROWING! Trees reported to reach 6 feet in 2 years!!! Sold by Oikos Tree Crops. Highly recommended!!! Trees have thick corky branches that are attractive in winter in a rugged kinda way
Oak, Bur-English ( Quercus macrocarpa x robur )
Also called Macdaniel Oak or Quercus x macdanielii. Another fast growing and cold hardy hybrid Oak EXCELLENT FOR MIDWEST and GREAT PLAINS!!!
The Bur-English Oak forms a very large domed tree, exceeding 100 feet.
It is very soil ( including clay ) tolerant and fast growing; up to 4 feet per year can be expected.
Some records include: 10 years - 17 feet ( average ).
The foliage is bright green at first, turning to glossy, deep green and does not get powdery mildew. The foliage turns to yellowish-brown during autumn.
It is easy to transplant and can reach up to 50 + x 50 feet in width in 20 years; pyramidal when young, later developing into an open large crown. It maintains its central leader.
The Bur-English Oak bears acorns in 6 years and has a heavy annual acorn crop. Great for wildlife!
Hardy zones 3 to 7 and is great in the Midwest and Plains tolerating as cold as -35F. Also known as the McDaniels Oak. Appearently can breed true from seed.
* photos taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, PA
Oak, Burgambel ( Quercus macrocarpa x gambelii )
A hybrid between the Bur Oak and an extremely drought tolorant Oak from the Rocky Mountains - this is a very cold tolorant, vigorous fast growing Oak. It grows around 2 feet a year and to 20 x 14 feet in 10 years. hardy north to zone 5a and retains its leaves very late in the fall. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR MIDWEST & GREAT PLAINS!!!
Oak, Burlive — Quercus macrocarpa x turbinella
Tolorant of extreme heat, drought and cold!
This strain has been used in parts of Nebraska were few trees can grow. Burlive oak can tolerate both heat and drought and grow in unforgiving soils. Ecos Burlive was selected from the Marquez crosses which tend to be closer to bur oak however with the extremely deep root system of Quercus turbinella. Parent tree is highly productive. Oikos Tree Crops in Michigan also has a large planting of Burlive from the Cottam Hybrids as well and those tend to be more like shrub live oak. Each is a single trunk trees.
Oak, Burr-Valley ( Quercus macrocarpa x Q. lobata )
A very fast growing hybrid Oak, reaching up to 60 feet in 20 years, eventually well over 100 feet! Additional info on this external link ( http://www.oaktopia.net/oaktopia/Quercus_macrocarpa_x_lobata_long.html ).
Oak, California Black ( Quercus kelloggii )
A very beautifu, stately, fast growing, large deciduous tree, reaching around 100 feet or more, that is native from central Oregon to southern California. Some records include: 6 years - 20 feet; largest on record - 130 x 115 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet. One almost that large currently grows in Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon. The California Black Oak can be very long lived up to 500 years.
While preferring hotter drier summers, it is still known to reach up to 70 feet in the British Isles.
The thick leaves, up to 12 x 7 ( rarely over 8 ) inches, are 7 to 9 deeply lobed and bristle toothed. The foliage is pinkish to deep red at first, turning to glossy deep green above, paler hairy beneath. The leaves turn to yellow and orange during autumn.
The inch long acorns were once a staple food of the California native Indians.
The thick bark is deeply furrowed and divided into wide ridges.
Hardy from zone 6 to 9 ( reports of 5 ), very summer drought tolerant and grows in climates with between 28 & 65 inches of rain in a normal year ( not naturally found in desert zones of the west ). This Oak thrives in sun or part shade but does not like alkaline soils above 7.5.
Oak, Cambridge ( Quercus warburgii )
A rare large tree to 80 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 3 feet in 80 years.
70 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 2.5 feet has been recorded in 50 years. Mature size is unknown but ubviously large. The Cambridge Oak is a hybrid between Quercus robur and Q rugosa. The original tree of this hybrid grows at the University Botanic Gardens in Cambridge, England. The large egg oval shallowly lobed leaves reach up to 5 x 3 inches. They are similar to Quercus robur English Oak in appearance but are longer stalked and semi-evergreen. The Cambridge Oak leafs out early in spring and is heat tolorant. Hardy from zone 3 to 9
Oak, Canby's Red ( Quercus canbyi )
A very tough, fast growing, upright pyramidal to spreading, medium-sized, semi-evergreen to evergreen tree, that is native to Texas and northeastern Mexico. It makes a great urban street tree in Texas. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 feet; 15 years - 32 x 24 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot; 32 years - 50 feet.
The long narrow leaves, up to 5 inches in length, are bronze at first, turning to glossy deep green. The very attractive foliage has bristle-tipped lobes.
The foliage turns to red during late autumn or early winter
Hardy zones 7 to 9, it is very heat and drought tolerant as well as tolerating poor clay and alkaline soil. Resistant to Oak Wilt.
Oak, Canyon Live ( Quercus chrysolepis )
Native to areas with 32 to 80 inches of yearly rainfall from Oregon to Mexico; this tree is very variable depending on growing conditions. On good sites it becomes moderately fast growing reaching up to 100 feet or more. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3.5 feet with a trunk diameter increase of 1 inch; 20 years - 35 feet; largest on record - 200 feet x 150 feet with a trunk diameter up to 12 feet.
The Canyon Live Oak is very long-lived, up to 350 years.
When mature the large horizontal branches form a massive spreading crown.
The spine-toothed, pointed, oval to oblong leaves reach up to 4 x 2.5 inches. They are leathery and shiny, lasting up to 4 years. At first in spring, the foliage is downy and yellowish below but later turns to pale bluish and smooth below.
The acorns, up to 1.2 inches in length, rarely occur unless multiple trees are grown.
The thick bark is gray-brown tinged with red.
Though not thoroughly tested; it appearently grows well in the eastern U.S. and Europe possibly even to zone 5. For now it is considered to be reliably hardy from zone 7 to 10 tolerating to -11 F. The Canyon Live Oak makes an excellent dense canopy urban street tree. Tolerant of sun or part shade.
Oak, Carmen ( Quercus carmenensis )
A shrub or small tree to 20 feet. It is native to Mexico and the Chiso Mountains in Texas where it is endangered with extinction being limited to one known tree.
The deciduous foliage is small, to 1.5 inches, oval, deeo green and coarsely toothed.
The leafstalks and twigs are brilliant red in color.
Oak, Chapman ( Quercus chapmanii )
A small to medium size Oak growing to 25 feet though sometimes much larger with 100 x 50 feet with trunk diameters of 4 feet having been recorded. It has oblong leathery leaves, that are glossy deep green above and silvery below; the margins are smooth to undulating. The leaves reach up to 5 x 2 inches though usually half that; and semi-evergreen to evergreen south of zone 7b. The bark is dark gray and platey and the acorns are small to 0.8 inches. It is native to sandy areas of s Alabama, Georgia, SC & Florida and is hardy from zone 6 to 10. It is alkaline tolorant and suprisingly hardy far outside its native range. The Chapman Oak makes an excellent hedge. Rare in cultivation.
Oak, Chestnut ( Quercus prinus )
A very large, deciduous tree, that is native to Eastern North America ( Illinois to Maine, south to southern Alabama ). Some records include: largest on record - 145 x 95 feet with a trunk diameter of 9 feet. Extremely large trees almost no longer exist as nearly its entire natural range has been logged over at least once since European settlement. In much of its native range, they barely even reach 50 feet, as they often grow on dry, hard core rocky sites where little else will grow in the Appalatian Mountains. On better sites, the Chestnut Oak grows with a striaght trunk that splits off into a dome made of large spreading branches.
The Chestnut Oak only reaches 10 inches in its first year while establishing a deep taproot; this tree will soon speed up and is known to grow as tall as 25 feet in 7 years and 40 feet in 20 years. Long-lived, it can survive as long as 430 years. Not well known in Europe where the similar Quercus castaneifolia grows however in England it can reach up to 66 feet in height or possibly more. In Pennsylvania, a very large tree grows at Morris Arboretum though I also seen some true giants around Wilkes-Barre.
The leaves, up to 12 x 5 ( rarely over 8 x 4 ) inches, are glossy deep green above, pale green beneath. They often turn an attractive orange-red in fall and remain late on the trees.
The bark is gray and deeply fissured. An important source of timber and tannin.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 on well drained soils. It is very drought tolerant.
The Chestnut Oak is difficult to transplant due to its deep taproot, and is often sown from seed on its permanent siting with wire mesh for protection from squirrels and rodents over the first winter.
* August 2009 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
* photos taken on April 18 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Oak, Chestnut Leaved ( Quercus castaneifolia )
A very fast growing, striking, massive, dome-shaped, deciduous large tree that is native to temperate forests in the mountains of the Caucasus and Iran. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 24 years - 66 feet; 40 years - 75 x 75 feet; 70 years - 117 x 57 feet; largest on record - 170 x 130 feet with a trunk diameter of 12 feet. It rapidly grow a massive trunk ( trunk diameters reported: 4 years - 5 inches; 13 years - 9 inches; 60 years - 38 inches; 100 years - 6.9 feet.
The very thick leaves, up to 8 x 6 inches, are tapered at both ends and have coarse sharply pointed teeth. The foliage is glossy deep green above; blue-gray and downy beneath.
The drooping, yellowish-green flower catkins, up to 4 inches in length, are borne mid to late spring. They are followed by abundant medium-sized acorns.
The smooth gray trunk that eventually becomes brown with short ridges separated by orange fissures.
This drought tolerant Oak should be much more widely used in the landscape from zone 5 to 9 ( tol -20F ).
'Greenspire'
Broadly columnar and very fast and tall growing. Some records include: 24 years - 66 feet.
'Schuettes'
May be a hybrid with Bur Oak ( Quercus macrocarpa ). Seedlings grow up to 3 times the average rate and it is hardy to - 30 F ( zone 4 ). Yearly height increase averages 4 feet on this 'steroidal hybrid' when young.
Oak, Chihuahua ( Quercus chihuahuensis )
A large deciduous shrub or small tree to 20 feet that is native to western Texas though rare. The leaves are up to 2 inches long, oval and sparsely toothed. They are gray green above with prominent veins.
Oak, Chinese Cork ( Quercus variabilis )
A very attractive, fast growing, massive, very large tree, that is native to China, Korea and Japan. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 8 years - 15 feet ( average ); largest on record - 100 x 80 feet with trunk diameter to 5.5 feet.
It thrives in the hot humid summers of the eastern U.S. and trees have already grown to 80 feet tall im Maryland & Pennsylvania and 3 feet in diameter in Hartford, CT.
As a landscape tree, I personally prefer it to the more common Sawtooth Oak however not the Chinkapin. The Chinese Cork Oak is very long-lived, up to 400 years.
The toothed, oblong leaves, up to 8.5 x 4 ( rarely over 8 x 2 ) inches, are glossy deep green, remaining green very late into the fall.
The pink grey, thick, corky, deeply fissured bark on older trees is truly spectacular.
Hardy from zone 4 to zone 9 ( tolerating -30 F ), it prefers hot humid summers.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photos taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Chinese Evergreen ( Quercus myrsinifolia )
A beautiful, fast growing, medium-sized, evergreen tree, that is native from the Himalayas to China and Japan. It forms a dense, graceful rounded crown of well spaced sturdy branches. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 ( rarely over 3 ) feet; largest on record - 82 x 67 feet with a trunk diameter up to 3.2 feet.
The leathery, elliptical leaves, up to 7 x 3 inches, are shiny deep purplish-red at first during spring turning to glossy deep green above, and blue-green below, smooth on both sides. The foliage remains luxuriant green through the winter.
The attractive bark is gray and very smooth becoming rough and fissured.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( tolerating as low as -12 F ), This tree grows best in a spot protected from wind and on deep rich acid soil. It grows well in both the Pacific Northwest and the hot humid southeast. It is very heat tolerant as well as tolerant of drought and clay.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on March 28 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
Oak, Chinese White ( Quercus liotungensis ) - Similar to the White and Mongolian Oak this tree is moderately fast growing and can reach up to 82 feet tall with a dense and full crown. The leaves hang on late into the fall and very often remain dried on the trees for most of the winter. An EXCELLENT OAK FOR THE MIDWEST & GREAT PLAINS and should be tested and used more. It is hardy to - 35 F though it is not tolorant of wet soil. In the wild it is native from Manchuria, Mongolia and China at elevations up to 7500 feet. It is hardy anywhere from zone 4 to 8 and should be tested in zone 3 regions
Oak, Chinkapin ( Quercus muehlenbergii )
A deciduous large tree native to the central North America ( Iowa to Ontario & New York State, south to Texas to South Carolina ). It is fast growing ( often 3 feet per year with 5 feet being the record ) and reached truly huge sizes up to 200 feet tall, 90 feet wide with trunk diameters up to 10 feet in the old growth forest that once covered the Ohio Valley. Trees well over 100 feet tall are still somewhat common and in England where it is less vigorous due to cooler summers; one such Oak still reached 70 feet. Even in the harsh climates of the Great Plains, the Chinkapin Oak is a vigorous grower with its average size in 10 years in Iowa being 20 x 12 feet.
They are also long lived up to 430 years. Trees with trunks as much as 6.5 feet across can still be seen today in places such as Pennsylvania however rare.
The coarsely toothed, oblong, leaves, up to 10 x 6 ( rarely over 6 x 3 ) inches, are glossy deep green above, paler downy beneath. The foliage turns orange and crimson-red during autumn.
The acorns are small and brown up to 0.8 inches.
The gray bark is fissured vertically into irregular flattish plates.
Oikos Tree Crops in Michigan sells a Michigan strain with Selections were made based on trees with large glossy leaves, fast growth rate and attractive peeling, shaggy bark.
Hardy from zone 3 to 8 ( tol - 33 F ); this Oak grows well in clay and alkaline soil with PH up to 8.5. A spectacular but unfortunately rare tree that should be used alot more in the landscape. Some Chinkapin clones have even done well in El Paso, Texas.
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photo taken on August 5 2010 @ Woodlands Arboretum, Clinton, Ontario
'Texas'
From one of the seedlings from a tree originally found wild in Texas sent to us by oak breeder Miguel Marquez. Purplish-red fall color. Thick glossy foliage. Better heat and alkaline tolerance compared to ECOS. Not a hybrid either and has been very productive in the acorn department here.
Hardiness -30 ° ( description from Oikos Tree Crops, Michigan )
Oak, Chisos Red ( Quercus gravesi )
A fast growing, small to medium-sized tree that is native to the Chisos Mountains in Texas and northern Mexico. Some records include: 4 years - 10 feet; largest on record - 63 x 57 feet with a trunk diameter to 4.5 feet; largest in France - 42 feet at La Bergerette.
The leaves, up to 5.5 x 5 inches, bear some resemblance to that of the Nuttall Oak however the pointed lobes are shorter. The foliage is glossy deep green above, pale green below and turn to scarlet red in autumn.
The twigs are red-brown.
The bark is black and roughly furrowed.
Hardy zones 5b to 9 in full sun on well drained soil. It grows in both acidic or alkaline soils and is extremely heat and drought tolerant. It has much potential as an urban street tree in the southern Plains ( Dallas included ) and the southern Rockies.
Oak, Coast Live ( Quercus agrifolia )
A fast growing, dense, round-headed, heavy set, huge tree, reaching up to 100 feet, that is native to California & Mexico. They often have huge massive branches that sweep the ground. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 10 years - 25 feet; 25 years - 75 feet; largest on record - 160 x 150 feet with a trunk diameter of 13 feet. Trees have already grown as large as 55 feet in England. The Coast Live Oak is very long-lived, persisting as long as 1000 years.
The leaves, up to 4 x 1.7 inches, are oval to round, hard textured and edged with spine tipped teeth. The foliage is smooth glossy deep green above, glabrous below. The bark is black, striped brown, becoming fissured into large squares.
The acorns are among the most nutritious and best tasting of all Oak.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 ( tolorating -4 F ), in full sun to partial shade on deep, sandy, well drained soil preferring a mediterranean climate with
16 to 50 inches of rain per year. The Coast live Oak is tolerant of soil PH from 4.5 to 7.5. Difficult to transplant so it is best to plant from acorn on site.
* photos of unknown internet source
Oak, Compton's ( Quercus x comptoniae )
A large, semi-evergreen tree which is the hybrid between Quercus lyrata and Q. virginiana, and has more vigor and larger acorns than either. Some records include:
5 years - 17 feet. It is upright in habit with excellent fall color.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, it is tolerant of flooding.
Additional info on external site ( http://www.oaktopia.net/oaktopia/Quercus_x_comptoniae_long.html ).
Oak, Cork ( Quercus suber )
A moderate to fast growing, stocky, dense, wide spreading dome shaped, large evergreen tree, that is native to southwestern Europe and north Africa. It is a dominent tree in much of the Meditteranean Region of Europe. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 3 years - 8 feet; 5 years - 13 feet; 20 years - 50 x 36 feet; largest on record - 100 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 feet.
A 74 foot tree grows in Wallingford, PA and one is known to grow in Baltimore; however much more planted in California where one reaches 74 x 100 x 6 feet in Napa. The Cork Oak is very long lived up to 500 years of age.
This tree is widely grown in plantations in Spain and Portugal. The bark harvested from these trees becomes the cork used in wine bottles. Unlike the vast majority of trees; the Cork Oak is not damaged - the bark just grows back.
The broad toothed, leathery leaves, up to 6 x 4 ( rarely over 3 x 2 ) inches, that are glossy deep green above and felted gray-brown beneath.
The yellow-green droopign flower catkins become acorns up to 1.5 inches in the fall.
The bark is tan, thick and corky with prominent ridges.
Hardy from zone 7 to 10 through careful clone selection and wind protection it's range may be extendable to zone 6b with some winter leaf drop. It is drought tolorant but grows best on deep fertile soil. It is prone to chlorosis on alkaline soil. The Cork Oak is planted in southern England.
It is susceptible to Sudden Oak Death ( Phytophthora ramorum ) which has unfortunatelly reached Europe and is causing forest havoc.
'Purple Leaved'
Extremely rare with purplish foliage. It is found at the Oaks of Chavithorne Barton in England which is one of the worlds largest collections of Oaks.
Oak, Crassifolia( Quercus crassifolia )
A large deciduous Oak that is native in mountains from central Mexico to Guatemala but is hardy much further north to the Carolinas in the U.S. In fact it is very fast growing in North Carolina ( up to 18 feet in 5 years ) and can eventually reach 100 feet with a trunk diameter up to 3.5 feet.
The very thick, leathery, elliptic to obovate leaves, up to 7 x 4.5 inches, are thick, glossy blackish-green above, pale brown hairy beneath.
The foliage persists dried into spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 ( possible in 7 with further testing ).
Oak, Crimson Spire ( Quercus alba 'Crimson Spire' )
An upright narrow columnar Oak like the Fastigiate English Oak but this one has blue-green mildew resistant leaves that turn purple-red in the fall ( English Oak hybrids do not turn red in fall ). It is shaped like the Lombardy Poplar growing up to 13 feet tall and 4 feet wide in 5 years and 45 x 15 feet or more at maturity.
Some additional records include: 5 years- 13 x 4 feet; 32 years - 54 x 16 feet.
Another very vigorous but non-columnar hybrid between Quercus alba and Q. robus has been reported to reach 54 x 48 feet in just 32 years.
Hardy at least north to zone 4 b ( tolerating -28 F with no damage ).
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
Oak, Daimyo ( Quercus dentata )
A medium-sized tree, that is native to China, Korea and Japan.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 6 years - 20 feet; 23 years - 47 feet; largest on record - 82 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
The foliage looks like that of the English Oak but is HUGE and with forward pointed lobes!!! The foliage reaches dinner-plate sizes of up to 20 x 12 inches!
The foliage is purplish-pink at first, turning to deep green. During autumn, most of the leaves turn brown and hang on the trees throughout the winter.
During the winter, the thick branches give it a rather gaunt but attractive habit in a Kentucky Coffee Tree kinda way.
The bark is deeply furrowed.
Its typical label of hardiness from zone 4 to 9 may be wrong since trees have grown very well in regions as diverse as hot humid Maryland as well as Saskatoon, Canada ( zone 3 ). While they absolutely can't stand maritime climates, they grow fast anywhere summers are hot.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
Oak, Dalechampii ( Quercus dalechampii )
A medium-sized, deciduous tree, that is native to southeastern Europe.
Some records include: 5 years - 12 feet; 11 years - 20 feet.
The leaves, up to 5 inches in length, have 5 to 7 lobes on each side.
The deep green foliage resembles that of the White Oak Quercus alba.
The foliage turns to yellow during autumn.
Hardy zones 5 to 10 requiring hot summers. It is very drought tolerant.
It is rare and little known in the U.S.
Oak, Deer ( Quercus sadleriana )
A thicket-forming, small shrubby Oak, reaching up to 10 feet, that is native to the Siskiyou Region from southwest Oregon to northern California.
It is thought to be a relic of a much larger range before the last Ice Age.
The thick, short-toothed, obovate leaves, up to 5 x 3 inches, are deep green above, white beneath.
The Deer Oak looks like a miniature Quercus pontica.
Hardy north to zone 6.
Oak, Downy ( Quercus pubescens )
A vigorous, large semi-evergreen tree that is native to central and southern Europe.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 11 years - 23 feet; 110 years - 100 x 120 feet with a trunk diameter of 40 inches; largest on record - 107 x 100 feet and with trunk diameter of 8 feet.
The wavy-margined, deeply-lobed leaves, up to 8 x 4 inches in size are glossy deep gray-green above, downy white beneath.
The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed into small rough plates.
Hardy zones 6 to 8 ( unknown in 5 ) and grows best in Meditteranean Regions with hot dry summers. Very drought and lime tolerant. Very rare in the U.S.; one such tree reportedly grows at the Library of Congress in DC
* photos of unknown source on internet
Oak, Dunn ( Quercus dunnii )
Growing to 40 feet tall and wide with trunk diameter of 2 feet on the best of sites; this Oklahoma and Texas native is very drought tolorant. The Dunn Oak survives without irrigation in regions with between 12 and 36 inches of yearly rainfall. New trees should be soaked once a week in summer for first few years transitioning to once a month. Evergreen and hardy from zone 7 and south. Prefers soil PH from 7 to 8
Oak, Durand ( Quercus durandii ) - A tough urban tolerant Oak that can grow huge to 160 feet tall and 120 feet wide with a trunk diameter up to 10 feet possible put usually half that or less. Its leaves are like the Shingle Oak in shape, very dark green, lush and glossy ( silvery below ); red in very late fall and to 10 x 4 inches. The bark is shaggy and light gray. This tree is pyramidal in shape when young becoming rounded and massive. It is flood, very lime and very drought tolorant. Very fast growing, long lived and hardy from zone 3 to 8. This Oak is rare however should be much more common in the landscape. Easy to transplant.
Oak, Durmast ( Quercus petraea )
A moderate growing, massive spreading deciduous tree, reaching around 100 feet, that is similar to Quercus robur but with sessile acorns and more upright branches. It is native to central and southeast Europe. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3 feet; 5 years - 12 feet; 20 years - 50 feet; largest on record - 170 x 100 feet with trunk diameter of 14 feet. Though not native; trees over 80 feet already grow in the U.S. including 90 x 70 feet in Baltimore City. It can live up to 1200 years
The large, long stalked leathery leaves, up to 7 x 5 inches, are glossy deep green above and downy below. This Oak continues growing in the summer and the leaves stay green late in the fall.
The flowers are yellow-green drooping spring catkins that are replaced in fall by acorns to an inch long.
The bark is gray and smooth for the first 20 years becomming deeply fissured and vertically ridged. This tree is an excellent choice for coastal areas.
Hardy from zone 3 to 9. It has a deep taproot and is very drought and wind resistant.
The National tree of Wales. Unlike English Oak the Durmast Oak
should not be planted in flood prone areas!
'laciniata'
Deeply cut leaves to 6 inches long.
'Longifolia'
Has very long 8 inch leaves.
'Purpurea'
Dark purple leaves.
Oak, Dwarf Chinkapin ( Quercus prinoides )
A small Oak native to the Midwest U.S. and Ontario, Canada is an excellent patio tree. It usually grows to 20 feet in height; the largest on record is 60 feet in height, 22 feet in width with a trunk diameter of 1 foot. It is extremely drought and clay tolorant and is often found in wild on sand dunes and dry ridges. It is moderate growing on good sites and can reach 12 feet in height in 5 years. The obovate leaves resemble the regular Chinkapin Oak but are smaller to only 6 inches long. They are shiny dark green and turn red and bronze in the fall. The bark is light brown and scaly. Hardy from zone 4 to 8 ( tol -30F ). A rare tree that should be used alot more in the landscape. Unlike most Oaks; this one produces runners. Even grows well in open windswept prairie in Nebraska.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
Oak, Emory ( Quercus emoryi )
A handsome, moderate growing, very long-lived, evergreen Live Oak that can reach 50 feet or sometimes much more on ideal sites. It is a rare native to mountains of Western Texas into central Arizona south to central Mexico. Some records include: 5 years - 11 feet; largest on record - 105 x 100 feet with trunk diameter of 7 feet.
A most beautiful tree, it should be planted much more, especially in west Texas.
The oblong leaves, up to 4 x 2 inches, can have either smooth or spiny tipped margins. The foliage is glossy green above, paler green beneath.
The oblong acorns are small up to 0.8 inches and mature in one season. The bark is dark brown in rectangular blocks like alligator hide.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 ( does not grow in tropical climates such as Florida ) and surviving as low as -10 F. It is extremely tough and easy to grow in the western U.S., however does not like very alkaline soil.
Oak, Engelmann ( Quercus engelmannii )
An evergreen Oak with a wide spreading crown that is native to southern California. It is moderate growing up to 2 feet in a year and usually reaches around 30 feet in its parched native habitat. However; on good sites it can become a large tree with some known to reach 120 feet in height; 100 feet in width with trunk diameters up to 6 feet. It forms a very stately attractive tree with alot of character.
The leathery, smooth-edged, oval to oblong leaves, up to 4 x 1.5 ( rarely over 2.5 x 1 ) inches, are blue-green on both sides.
The light gray-brown bark is thick and furrowed.
It grows without irrigation in regions with 20 to 30 inches of yearly rainfall and is hardy from zone 8 to 10 ( tolerating as low as 0 F ). Prefers well drained, sandy loam soil in sun or part shade. The Engelmann Oak is very long lived and grows well on the coast. Endangered in the wild and should be used much more in landscaping.
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Engler ( Quercus engleri )
An evergreen Oak native to Hupeh region of China; it can reach up to 40 feet tall with shiny dark green leaves to 7 x 2.5 inches.
Oak, English ( Quercus robur )
A fast growing, long lived, broad-crowned, deciduous large tree, reaching over 100 feet that is native to Europe, western Asia and extreme northern Africa
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 6 years - 20 feet; 20 years - 70 x 50 ( usually half that ) feet; 110 years - trunk diameter of 6.3 feet; longest lived - 1200 years.
Trunk diameter can increase up to 1.6 inches in a year but more often a 50 year old tree will only be 2 feet in diameter. One tree 100 x 105 feet with trunk diameter of 5 feet in Victoria, B.C. is only 74 years old and another tree has already reached 96 x 87 x 4 feet in dry Denver, Colorado. Trees already 90 feet or more also grow in Ohio & in Washington, D.C. Some truly massive trees do exist it native range and they have been known to reach up to 240 feet in height; 130 feet in diameter with extreme trunk diameters up to 23 feet.
The leaves are shallow round-tip lobed and to 6 x 3 inches; there are 3 to 6 lobes on each side. They are lighy yellow-green in spring turning smooth and dark green above & blue-green below; usually falling green in the late fall.
The late spring flowers are yellow drooping catkins that are later replaced by acorns up to 1.5 inches.
The bark is light gray, fissured into short narrow vertical plates.
Best in light, well drained soil; it can tolorate some flooding. Hardy from zone 2 to 8
* photo taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photo taken on August 4 2010 in Stratford, Ontario
* photos taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Audubon Sanctuary, Montgomery Co, MD
supsp. 'pedunculiflora'
From Greece, Turkey and the Caucasus; it has leaves with fewer lobed that are bluish below. It is fast growing, reaching up to 13 feet in 5 years; 40 feet in 22 years.
'Bimundorum'
A hybrid with Quercus alba White Oak that becomes a massive wide spreading tree. Easy to transplant; it is also fast growing to 40 feet tall in 25 years. Foliage looks like English Oak but is mildew resistant and turns red in fall. Hardy north to zone 3. Seedlings can produce acorns in only 6 years and a 16 year old tree can produce over 50 pounds of acorns ( Oikos Tree Crops ). Easy to transplant with fibrous roots.
'Brutia'
From Yugoslavia has larger leaves up to 12 x 4 inches.
'Concordia' ( Golden Oak )
Reaches up to 60 x 97 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet at most, with yellowish foliage.
'ECOS'
From Oikos Tree Crops in Michigan; this strain is not prone to mildew.
It should be planted instead of regular English Oak is humid parts of eastern U.S. where powdery mildew can be a big problem with English Oak. Mildew makes the tree less vigorous and more susceptible to insects and other more devastating diseases. This is why most English oaks have a limited life span of 20-40 years.
'Fastigiata'
Columnar habit up to 100 feet tall and with great age widening to 30 feet in width. 90% come true from seed. Fast growing on ideal sites.
'Nigra'
Deep purple foliage.
'Pendula'
Vigorous in habit, reaching up to 92 feet tall with drooping branches. Trunk diameter up to 6 feet. Very early leafing out in spring.
'Procera'
Very fast growing, often 3 times as fast as the English Oak. Pyramidal with strong central leader and upright branches. The leaves are lush and mildew resistant though they do not color well in the fall. This Oak grows extremely tall and can easily scale 100 feet with potential of 200 with extreme age. It grows true from seed and can tolorate as low as -30F.
'Skymaster'
Rapid growing with strong upright branching habit but not as narrow as Fastigiate English Oak. It tolorates drought, pollution and restricted root space making it an excellent urban tree.
'Variegata'
Leaves with creamy white margins.
Oak, Englishlive ( Quercus robur x turbinella )
Description from Oikos Tree Crops, Michigan
Drought-tolerant compact oak
Another Cottam hybrid for tough sites, especially drought soils. Dwarfish, somewhat pyramid shaped, ornamental hybrid with good acorn crops. Medium growth rate (12-18" per year) and develops a lot of branches on young seedlings. Best hybrid for cut-leaf foliage. Another good hedge oak or a small single tree. Height to 30 feet. Hardiness -30 °F.
Oak, Fabri ( Quercus fabri )
A medium-size tree that is native to Korea and eastern China. Some records include:
8 years - 6.5 feet; largest on record - 82 feet in height with a trunk diameter
up to 4 feet.
The triangular-toothed, obovate leaves, up to 7 x 4 inches, are glossy deep green above, hairy gray beneath. The leathery foliage turns to red in fall.
The foliage remembles that of Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak.
The acorns are up to 0.8 x 0.5 inches.
The twigs are grayish-brown and densely tomentose.
The bark is gray-brown.
Hardy zones 5 to 8, requires hot summers.
Oak, Gambel ( Quercus gambelii )
Among the hardiest of deciduous hardwood trees; this Oak is native to the Rocky Mountains of the U.S. from Idaho to sc Wyoming south to the Mexican border. It is both alkaline soil and very drought tolorant. It also grows well in the moister climate of eastern North America. Unfortunately the Gambel Oak is slow growing with 15 feet in 20 years at most. The record yearly growth increase is only 2 feet. Often small and stunded in its drought prone native range; with the best of conditions this tree is capable of 110 feet in height; 85 feet in width and 8 feet in trunk diameter.
The leaves have 3 to 6 lobes on each side and are finely hairy below.
They are up to 7 x 4 inches, smooth deep green above & hairy, pale green below. The foliage is often reddish at first during spring and also turns to red and purple in autumn.
The bark is light gray.
The acorns are small and ovoid up to 0.5 inches. Hardy from zone 3 to 6 it can tolorate as cold as -43F
Oak, Garry ( Quercus garryana )
From drier valleys of the Pacific Northwest ( sw B.C. to central California ); this Oak is of variable growth rate depending on conditions but can grow very large and stately. Some records include: 3 years - 9 feet; 20 years - 50 feet; largest on record - 150 x 130 ( rarely over 80 ) feet in width and 9 feet in trunk diameter.
This Oak develops a spreading crown of large branches.
The leathery, deeply-cut, oval leaves, up to 7 x 5 ( rarely over 4 ) inches, are glossy deep green above, paler beneath.
The bark is similar to Quercus alba White Oak. Hardy from zone 5 to 9 in somewhat Meditteranean climates; it can tolorate extremes from -33F to + 116 F!
Currently endangered in Canada. Before the last ice age, Garry oaks were part of an extensive hardwood forest in British Columbia. Their range was wider during a warm, dry period after glaciation, but it has diminished in the current wet and cool climate. Its range has significantly declined even more since 1800 due to human related environmental destruction.
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Gemelliflora ( Quercus gemelliflora )
A huge tree resembling the Chinkapin Oak reaching up to 170 feet. The leaves are up to 7 x 3 inches are blue-green above and white below.
Oak, Georgia ( Quercus georgiana )
A moderate growing, small to medium-sized tree, that is native to the southeastern U.S. ( from central Alabama to South Carolina ) where it is threatened. It is very closely related to the Bear Oak which grows further north. Some records include: 21 years - 27 feet; largest on record - 75 x 65 ( rarely over 35 ) feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet.
It is one of the best Oaks for the smaller garden or patio in the eastern U.S..
The 3 or 5 broad-lobed leaves, up to 5 x 4 inches, are glossy deep green above, lighter green beneath. The foliage turns to an excellent dark red in November often remaining dried on the tree through the winter.
Hardy zones 4 to 9, it is far hardier than its natural range would suggest.
It is very drought and heat tolerant.
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Gilva ( Quercus gilva )
A fast growing, large evergreen Oak, that is native to southern China and Taiwan.
Some records include: 5 years - 6 feet; largest on record - 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet. It is among the most beautiful of all hardwood trees.
The leathery, toothed, oblanceolate to elliptical leaves, up to 7 x 1.5 ( rarely over 5 ) inches, are very glossy, deep green.
The bark is very shaggy.
Hardy zone 9 & 10, thriving in hot humid climates on just about any soil including wet and alkaline.
Oak, Golden ( Quercus alnifolia )
A native of Cyprus; this is a small and slow growing Oak; rarely to 33 feet tall and 30 feet wide with a trunk diameter up to 1 foot ( record being 3 feet ). It has erect branches and a shrubby crown. The most it can grow in a year is 1 foot. The rounded evergreen leaves are up to 2.5 x 2 inches ( rarely 4 x 3 inches ) and are smooth shiny dark green above, golden felted below. The acorns are long up to 1.5 inches. The bark is gray with pale orange-brown lenticels becoming very rough with age. Hardy from zone 6 to 10. It is very drought tolorant. Unlike many Oaks; this one can resprout from stumps and does so rapidly. It is among the most important native trees in Cyprus anchoring mountain slopes.
Oak, Gray ( Quercus grisea )
A medium size tree native to the mountains of the southwest U.S. from Arizona to central Colorado to central Texas and south into Mexico. It reaches about 30 feet though sometimes much larger. Some records include: 5 years - 4 feet; largest on record - 75 x 45 feet with a trunk diameter of 6 feet.
The leathery, oval to elliptical leaves are up to 3 x 1.3 inches. They can either be toothed or non-toothed. The foliage is deep green above, hairy blue-gray beneath.
The foliage remains on the trees late into the fall.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( trees originating from Colorado seed source are hardiest ).
Oak, Hispanic ( Quercus x hispanica )
A natural hybrid between Quercus suber & Q. cerris; they are variable but always make excellent trees.
The Hispanic Oak forms a fast growing, very large tree up to 100 feet or sometimes more. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 5 years - 13 x 10 feet; 20 years - 55 feet; 75 years - 100 x 116 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet; largest on record - 140 x 120 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 feet.
The toothed, oblong leaves, up to 5 x 3 inches, are glossy deep green above, downy gray beneath. The foliage ranges from late deciduous to nearly evergreen.
The yellowish-green flower catkins, up to 2 inches in length, are borne during spring.
The thick bark has deep fissured but is never corky like Quercus suber.
Hardy from zone 6 to 9. It is sometimes found in wild in southern Europe and is a popular estate tree in England. It is very tolorant of lime soils.
'Ambrose'
Has evergreen very dark green leaves that are white below.
'Fulham'
Has drooping branches.
'Lucombeana' ( Lucombe Oak )
A tall tree resembling Quercus cerris. The leaves are long and the bark is light gray and shallowly fissured.
Hardy from zone 6 to 9.
Oak, Holm ( Quercus ilex )
Also called Holly Oak. A moderate growing, large evergreen tree, that is native to southern Europe and northern Africa. It has a very dense massive domed crown with sharply ascending upper branches. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 10 years - 23 feet; 25 years - 65 feet; 80 years - trunk diameter of 5 feet; largest on record - 130 x 120 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 feet. Holm Oaks cast dense shade that lawns do not thrive under. This spectacular tree is so commonly planted in England that many people actually believe it is native.
The very leathery leaves are up to 5 x 3 inches. They can either be smooth edged or toothed like Ilex aquifolium. The very glossy foliage is downy white at first, turning to very deep green above; white and downy beneath.
The late spring flowers are yellow drooping catkins and are followed in the fall with small acorns to 0.7 inches.
The light gray bark is rough and shallowly cracked into small squares. Hardy from zone 6 to 10; it is not injured at -10F but is killed to ground at -20F however it may still resprout. The Holm Oak thrives on all soils and tolorates shade.
It is not bothered by pests, diseases or storms and also is salt air and very lime tolerant.
'Laurifolia'
only difference is narrower leaves to 6 x 2 inches
Oak, Huckleberry ( Quercus vaccinifolia )
A slow growing, dwarf Oak, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 8 feet, that is native to southwest Oregon, northern California and western Nevada.
Some records include: 5 years - 20 inches.
The leaves are very small, 1.5 inches in length, at most.
Oak, Hungarian ( Quercus frainetto )
Native to Italy, the Balkans and Hungary; this Oak grows both very fast and very
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 5 feet with a trunk diameter increase of 1 inch; 6 inches height growth in a single week! 5 years - 13 x 10 feet; 10 years - 24 x 18 feet; largest on record - 133 x 100 feet in width with trunk diameter of 7 feet.
A truly spectacular tree with a massive broad dome of widespreading branches that often droop along the outer edges. Known to already have reached 80 feet in Maryland in the U.S.
The deeply-toothed, oblong leaves, up to 13 x 6 ( rarely over 8 ) inches, are deep green above and gray green below. They remain green late into the fall and often last late into December though rarely coloring much. The foliage is very disease resistant.
The spring flowers are yellow-green drooping catkins that are followed in fall by small acorns up to 0.7 inches.
The bark is light gray to brown and closely fissured into small short ridge. Bark is smooth for the first 10 years.
Hardy from zone 6 to 9; this Oak grows well in all soils except alkaline. Tolorant of urban conditions, clay and drought. It is suprising this tree is not planted more in the U.S.
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
'Forest Green'
* photo taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
'Hungarian Crown'
Erect habit
'Schmidt'
Growing with a strong central leader and very glossy dark green leaves.
It is very drought tolorant and hardy to zone 5 ( tolorating -25F ).
Much more resistant to leafspot.
'Vulcan'
a form originating in Turkey is even more tolorant of drought. Hardy to zone 6
Oak, Interior Live ( Quercus wislezenii )
A moderate growing, large, broad, rounded, massive, heavy-set, large, evergreen tree, reaching up to 100 feet or sometimes much larger, that is native to California and Mexico. It is very similar and closely related to Quercus agrifolia.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3 feet; 21 years - 30 feet ( average ); largest on record - 200 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 9 feet.
The holly-like, oblong leaves, up to 4.7 x 2 ( rarely over 3 x 2 ) inches, are edged with slender spiny teeth. The foliage is mid-green above; glossy yellow-green beneath.
The leaves persist for about 2 years.
The thick bark is nearly black and deeply furrowed with scaly ridges.
Hardy from zone 6 to 10 in sun or part shade. While it prefers a mediterranean style climate, it does grow in milder parts of England though with less vigor, rarely exceeding 50 feet.
Oak, Island ( Quercus tomentella )
A stately, open, spreading, large evergreen tree native to the Channel Islands off the coast of California. It is extremely endangered in the wild though grows well on the mainland if planted and irrigated. It is rapid growing up to 3 feet or more per year and can reach up to 85 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter up to 2 feet.
Some records include: 14 years - 23 feet ( average ).
It makes an excellent street tree for milder parts of the west.
The toothed, ovate to oblong leaves are up to 5 x 2 inches in size. The rigid, leathery foliage is downy when young, turning to glossy mid-green above, white beneath.
The acorns are large and only abundant in some years.
The bark is red-brown.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( tolerating 10 F ) requiring 24 + inches of rainfall per year.
It is reported to have froze to ground and resprouted rapidly.
Oak, Japanese Evergreen ( Quercus acuta )
A fast growing, medium-sized, evergreen tree that is native to Japan.
It makes an excellent landscape tree in the southeast and parts of the Mid Atlantic U.S. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3 feet; largest on record - 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 feet.
The leathery, smooth-edged, elliptical leaves, up to 8 x 3 inches, are very glossy, luxuriant mid-green through the entire year.
The bark is smooth and gray-brown with raised yellowish lenticels.
It is hardy zones 7 to 6 ( though some clones may be hardy even in zone 6 and should be tested ), thriving where summers are hot and humid. Drought tolerant.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on Apr 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
Oak, Japanese White ( Quercus aliena )
A fast growing, large tree native to Japan that looks like the native Chestnut Oak ( Quercus prinus ). Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 feet; 17 years - 33 feet; largest on record - 100 x 80 x 7 feet.
The large, coarsely-toothed, regularly-lobed, oval leaves, up to 12 x 7 inches, are glossy deep green above, paler and downy beneath.
Hardy from zones 4 to 8. It grows well in the Mid Atlantic and tolorates hot sunny sites.
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
Oak, Kermes ( Quercus coccifera )
Native to the western Mediterranean this Oak is extremely drought tolorant and can live up to 800 years but never grows very large reaching only up to 66 feet tall and 30 feet wide though massive trunks up to 5.5 feet across on ancient trees are known. The leaves may be prickly or flat and smooth and are shiny green up to 6 x 2 inches or more often smaller. The foliage is evergreen and no freeze injury typically occurs down to 4 F and the tree may be hardy anywhere from sheltered sites in zone 6 to zone 10. Can survive in regions with as little as 12 inches of rain in a year.
* photo of unknown internet source
var 'Calliprinos' ( Palestine Oak )
Reported to be a large tree with larger leaves.
Oak, Kharshu ( Quercus semicarpifolia )
A large semi-evergreen Oak native to high elevations ( 6000 to 12 000 feet ) in the Himalayas. It prefers cool summers and thrives in England though not well known. The Kharshu Oak grows large, up to 120 feet in height with a trunk diameter of up to 6 feet. Some records include: 3 years - 6.5 feet; 8 years - 12 feet; 11 years - 17 feet.
The holly-like leaves are up to 5 x 3 inches.
The furrowed roughened bark is gray-brown.
Oak, Konara ( Quercus glandulifera )
A moderate growing, medium-sized, deciduous tree, that is native to China, Korea and Japan. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 2 feet; largest on record - 100 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet. Not quite as large and fast growing as some of the native oaks, it may make an excellent urban shade and street tree.
The sharply-margined, ovate leaves, up to 8 x 4 inches, are bright green above, whitish beneath. The leaves remain on the trees until very late into the fall when they often turn scarlet before falling.
It is hardy from zones 4 to 9 and despite being extremely rare, is an excellent tree for much of eastern North America.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
Oak, Lacey ( Quercus glaucoides )
An extellent Oak for the hot, dry and alkaline Southern Plains yet little known in horticulture. This Oak loves extreme heat and tolerates drought and should be planted more. Does well on alkaline soil and is wilt resistant. It is a moderate growing, dense, spreading, medium-sized tree. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 2 feet; largest on record - 100 x 60 ( rarely over 50 ) feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
The leaves are very handsome, to 9 x 5 ( rarely over 6 x 4 ) inches,
The very handsome foliage is orange-pink at first, turning deep blue-green above, whitish beneath. The leaves turn to golden-yellow during late autumn.
Native to Texas and northeast Mexico and hardy much further North ( from zone 6b to 9 ). It requires very hot summers and grows in sun or part shade.
It is similar to the Blue Oak of California and is very drought tolerant but also tolerates summer irrigation.
Oak, Lamellosa ( Quercus lamellosa )
Also called Bull Oak. Native to the Himalayas to the Orient; this huge evergreen Oak is known to grow to 200 ( rarely over 120 ) feet in height with a trunk diameter reaching 10 feet across. Practically unknown in the U.S. but holding massive potential as an evergreen shade tree. Trees planted in Cornwall, England and warmer parts of Ireland have thrived and already reached 66 feet tall. Some records include: 4 years - 10 feet; 20 years - 41 feet with a trunk diameter of 6 inches.
An imposing tree; this is the noblest of all Oaks!
The very large, deeply-veined, leathery, toothed, elliptic leaves, up to 18 x 9 ( rarely over 12 x 6 ) inches in size. The attractive foliage, which resembles that of Quercus prinus in shape, is deep green above, white beneath.
Bark is rough and grey brown.
Hardy zones 8 to 10, it thrives where summers are hot and humid.
Oak, Lateleaf ( Quercus tardifolia )
A small to medium-sized, evergreen tree that is native to Big Bend in Texas and neighboring Coahuila province in Mexico. Some records include: largest on record - 48 x 23 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.4 feet.
The broad-elliptical leaves, up to 4 x 2.8 inches, have margins with 3 to 4 lobes.
The twigs are deep reddish-brown and the bark is furrowed and gray.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 ( est ). Very drought tolerant.
Oak, Laurel ( Quercus laurifolia )
A fast growing, dense, rounded, large tree, averaging 100 feet, that is native to the southeastern U.S. ( from eastern Texas and Arkansas to Virginia and south to the Gulf of Mexico ).
Some records include: first year - 1.5 feet; fastest growth rate - 6 feet; 50 years - 150 feet; largest on record - 150 x 120 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 feet across. It is semi-evergreen from zone 7 south becoming almost evergreen around zone 7b.
One of the most beautiful of all Oaks; the Laurel Oak makes great street trees.
The smooth edged or very shallow lobed, oval leaves are up to 6 x 2 inches in size.
The foliage is bronze at first, turning to smooth, very glossy green above, bright green beneath. The leaves usually fall in early spring just before the new leaves appear.
The bark is dark brown and smooth when young turning thick, scaly and deeply furrowed into wide flat ridges.
Hardy zones 6 to 10. Trees growing in Cincinnati indicate the Laurel Oak may be hardy even further north that previously thought tolorating temperatures lower than - 20 F and surviving into zone 5. In Cincinnati trees have been observed staying green well into December. Salt tolorant; it grows best on deep rich sandy soil with a PH from 4 to 6. Hot summers are required for this Southern Oak to thrive.
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
Oak, Lanata ( Quercus lanata )
Also called Quercus incana & Q. leucotrichophora. A large, evergreen tree, that is native to the Himalayas ( from India to China; south into tropical southeast Asia ). Some records include: largest on record - 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet. The major limbs are often twisted.
The oblong leaves, up to 9 x 4 inches, are shaped like that of the native Chestnut Oak ( Quercus prinus ). The foliage is glossy deep green and rough above, downy white beneath.
The thick, brownish-gray back peels into thin plates.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 on just about any well drained soil. It thrives in parts of western and southern France as well as the Mediterranean ( if watered during summer ) but not in the British Isles.
Oak, Leather ( Quercus durata )
A handsome, slow growing, dense, rounded evergreen shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum size of 12 x 10 ( rarely over 6.5 ) feet, that is native to coastal California and the Baja Peninsula.
The thick, leathery rigid, spiny, small leaves, up to 1.6 x 0.8 inches in length, are gray-green and hairy on both sides. The leaf margins are often rolled under.
The scaly bark is gray-brown.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil ( PH under 7.3 ), it thrives where annual precipitation ranges from 12 to 33 inches. It prefers a stone mulch and to be dry during summer. The Leather Oak is great to mix with Manzanitas. Tolerant of heat and clay and is very drought tolerant. It requires hot dry summers and grows poorly in the British Isles. The Leathery Oak is deer resistant.
Oak, Lebanon ( Quercus libani )
A moderate growing, elegant medium-sized, deciduous tree, that is native to Syria & Lebanon.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 2.5 feet; 3 years - 5 feet; 9 years - 17 feet; 22 years - 27 feet; 45 years - 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.6 feet; largest on record - 70 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.6 feet.
The bristly-tip toothed, oblong leaves, up to 6 x 2.5 ( rarely over 4 ) inches, are glossy deep green.
The leaves persist well into winter.
The twigs are slender.
The slightly corky bark is dark gray with orange fissures.
Hardy from zone 5 to 10 in sun or partial shade and does well in the piedmont of the southeastern U.S. The Lebanon oak can grow in loam to heavy clay soils of variable soil PH. The tree can endure strong winds but not maritime exposure. It does not tolerate root disturbance and trees should not be moved once planted, in fact acorns sown on site will produce the best trees.
'Regia'
Has larger leaves up to 9 x 5 inches
Oak, Liotung ( Quercus liotungensis )
A moderate growing tree with a dense full crown reaching a height up to 82 feet. It is similar to the Mongolian and White Oak and retains its leaves dried often through the winter. It is hardy to zone 4 ( tolerates -35 F ) and is highly recommended for Nebraska and surrounding states. Native to Manchuria, Mongolia and China up to 7500 feet in elevation.
Oak, Live ( Quercus virginiana )
Native from southeast Oklahoma to North Carolina and south; the famous massive Oak with moss hangin from the branches, can grow to a truly huge 200 x 130 feet with a trunk diameter of a massive 13 feet and live up to 1500 years. It is very rapid growing ( up to 4 feet in a year ) when young and a tree 70 years old may already have a trunk 5 feet in width. A Live Oak can become a reasonable large tree in just 10 years and 9 x 6 feet has been reached in only 4 years. Some other records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 4.5 feet; 5 years - 17.7 x 10 feet with a diameter of 5 inches.
It can tolorate high winds, high heat and alot of salt, urban conditions and is not bothered by deer. They are very soil tolerant. Evergreen Oaks should be fertilized heavily in March and June.
Its very often evergreen leaves are oblong to 6 x 3 inches at most and are leathery, glossy dark green above and whitish below.
The bark is charcoal gray with shallow fissures making a coarse checkered pattern.
The wood is very heavy up to 55 pounds per square foot.
Usually considered only hardy north to zone 7; some trees are known to tolerate as cold as -14F and be winter hardy in zone 6 and be evergreen to 0F. Live Oaks growing in Dayton, Ohio stayed evergreen during the winter of 2002.
The subspecies 'fusiliformis' ( Escarpment Live Oak ) widespread in central Texas from the Rio Grande and north, and Oklahoma is more drought tolorant, actually very drought and heat tolerant making it an excellent tree for use in parking lots for shade. It is evergreen only to zone 7 but grows well also in zone 5b dropping its leaves late in the fall with no injury. It is also dense and fast growing to a size of 82 x 80 feet with a trunk diameter of 9.5 feet. Its leaves are very shiny and lush green to 6 x 3.5 inches.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photos taken in South Carolina on March 1994
* photo taken on April 18 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on Jan 3 2011 @ Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Florida
* photos of unknown internet source
Some additional cultivars include:
'Highrise'
very fast growing to 80 x 40 feet in 25 years with trunk width increases up to 1.3 inches in a year. Possibly up to 200 x 60 feet at maturity with an upright pyramidal shape.
'Southern Shade'
rapid growing to 18 feet tall and 5 inches in trunk diameter when only 5 years old. It has a strong leader when young and can reach 65 feet in 35 years and eventually much larger.
Oak, Loquat ( Quercus rhysophylla )
A fast growing, medium-sized, evergreen tree, that is native to northeastern Mexico where it is threatened.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 29 years - 57 feet; largest on record - 82 x 60 feet; largest in Virginia - 50 x 31 feet with trunk diameter of 1.4 feet.
The elliptical leaves, up to 10 x 3 inches, are reddish to rich purple at first, turning to glossy deep green.
The foliage is extremely beautiful.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( tolerating as low as 0 F ), it thrives in milder parts of the Mid Atlantic, the humid southeast as well as cooler maritime climates such as southern England.
Oak, Macedonian ( Quercus trojana )
A fast growing, dense, broadly-pyramidal, medium-sized, deciduous to semi-evergreen tree, that is native from southeast Europe to Turkey.
Some records include: 13 years - 17 feet ( average ); 20 years - 33 feet ( average ); largest on record - 82 x 70 ( rarely over 50 ) feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet; largest in Ireland - 72 feet at Cork.
The leathery, oblong leaves, up to 4 x 2 inches, are very glossy green. This tree often keeps its foliage until January, sometimes longer.
The acorns are large for an Oak.
The rough back is dark gray.
Hardy zones 6 to 9, it is very well adapted to mediterranean climates.
Oak, Maple Leaf ( Quercus acerifolia )
This endangered native of limestone ridges in Arkansas is hardy far outside its native range to zone 3. On the best of sites this drought tolorant Oak can reach 60 feet in height and width with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
Some records include: 5 years - 6.5 feet. The leaves reach up to 6 x 7 inches and are shaped like that of a Sugar Maple. They are luxuriant green in summer turning to bright red in autumn.
The twigs are red-brown.
Hardy zones 5 to 8. Though it prefers hot summers, it grows surprisingly well in the British Isles, with 20 feet in 21 years being recorded.
Oak, Mexican Blue ( Quercus oblongifolia )
A rare Oak native to mountains of Arizona to western Texas and northwest Mexico. On good sites it can become a medium size tree to 50 feet with the largest ever recorded being 90 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.5 feet. One nearly that size is known to grow in Hidalgo County New Mexico. The oblong leaves are evergreen with curled margins that are either smooth or with small teeth. They are up to 4 x 1 inches and blue-green in color. The acorns are small to only 0.5 inches. The bark is ash-gray in scaly plates. Hardy north to zone 7 it is both heat and drought tolerant.
Oak, Mexican Chinkapin ( Quercus polymorpha )
Also called Monterrey Oak. An attractive, very fast growing, upright, large, evergreen tree that is native to mountains around Monterrey, Mexico as well as a few places in western Texas where it is threatened with extinction. Some records include: 5 years - 25 feet; largest on record - 80 x 60 feet. It is highly recommended as a street tree in central and southern Texas.
The thick, leathery, entire, oblong leaves, up to 7 x 3.7 inches, are bright shrimp pink at first, turning blue-green above, gray-green beneath. During autumn they turn glowing red. This Oak looks alot like the native Chinkapin Oak.
Hardy from zone 6b to 9 ( tolerating as low as -8 F ) in full sun to partial shade on deep fertile soil. It grows well in North Carolina, far outside its native range. Very heat and drought tolerant, it is also resistant to Oak Wilt.
The Mexican Chinkapin Oak requires hot summers to thrive.
Oak, Mexican Royal ( Quercus germana )
A fast growing, large tree, reaching up to 82 feet, that is native to northeast Mexico where it is threatened with extinction. Some records include: 4 years - 15 feet.
The oblanceolate to oblong leaves, up to 5 x 2 inches, are glossy green above, blue-green beneath.
Hardy zones 7b to 9 ( tolerates as low as 4 F ). Should be tested in the U.S.
Oak, Mongolian ( Quercus mongolica ) - A huge Oak native to e. Siberia, Manchuria, Mongolia, Korea & Japan. Has tested extremely well in climates as diverse as Maryland & Manitoba. Very dense with a full crown and also very fast growing where summers are hot ( not a maritime tree ). 3 feet of growth in a year is common, 6 feet is possible with excessive pampering. At maturity the stately thick branched Mongolian Oak can reach 130 feet tall and wide and with a trunk up to 6 feet across. The foliage is somewhat like the native White Oak but larger ( 12 x 7 inches ) glossy, often very dark green, oblong, strongly lobed and borne in dense clusters at the ends of the branches. An extremely beautiful tree that is also early leafing out in spring. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS A REPLACEMENT TREE IN AREAS AFFECTED BY EMERALD ASH BORER!!! - AND ALSO THE CANADIAN PRAIRIES
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on Apr 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
Oak, Moru ( Quercus dilatata )
Similar to Quercus prinus in appearance; this massive Oak reaches up to 100 feet tall with a trunk diameter up to 10 feet. From the mountains of Pakistan; it is best with cool summers and can be grown in the mildest parts of England. Tolerates temperatures from 19 to 90F.
The leaves reach up to 9 ( rarely over 5 ) x 2.5 inches and the bark is dark reddish-brown.
Oak, Myrtle ( Quercus myrtifolia )
Native from Louisiana to South Carolina and south; this small to medium size Oak makes for an excellent patio tree. The largest on record is only 60 feet tall; 50 feet wide and 2 feet in diameter. The evergreen, leathery obovate foliage has smooth somewhat turned over margins and reaches up to 3 x 1.5 inches. The bark is light gray and the acorns are small to 0.5 inches.
The twigs are dark red-brown.
The Myrtle Oak is not tolorant of waterlogging and needs very well drained soil. Has very deep drought tolorant roots and is salt spray tolorant. Hardy north to zone 6 but is evergreen only zones 7 to 10
Oak, Netleaf ( Quercus rugosa )
A fast growing, evergreen Oak, reaching around 80 feet, that is native to the mountains of Arizona and sw NM south to Central America; often mixed into pine forest.
Some records include: 4 years - 8 feet; 5 years - 12 feet; 30 years - 75 feet with a trunk diameter of 15 inches; largest on record - 120 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
It is moderately long-lived, persisting up to 150 years or possibly more.
The deeply-veined, shallowly-lobed, obovate to rounded leaves are up to 8 x 5 inches in size. The foliage is red at first, turning to glossy deep green above, whitish beneath. The hard and leathery leaves somewhat resemble that of the Swamp White Oak.
The acorns are small.
The pale gray bark is flaking and somewhat corky; the acorns are small.
Hardy from zone 7 to 11. It is very rare in cultivation despite being a very attractive tree. The Netleaf Oak thrives especially well in coastal California and can also grow well in parts of Virginia & the Carolinas in the east.
Oak, Northern Pin ( Quercus ellipsoides )
Native to North America from North Dakota to International Falls to central Ontario, south to Missouri to northern Ohio; this is a large deciduous tree with a typically short trunk and a spreading canopy. Considered rare to endangered in Canada.
Averaging around 70 feet, some records include: 18 years - 30 feet; largest on record - 130 x 122 feet with a trunk diameter to 5 feet; largest in Pennsylvania - 76 x 86 x 3.6 feet at Morris Arboretum.
The Northern Pin Oak can live up to 300 years. Some very large trees are recorded near Waterloo, Ontario.
The leaves are very deeply lobed and bristle tipped, up to 7 x 6 inches in size. They are glossy deep green above and shiny light green with rust colored hairs beneath. The fall color is usually deep red and the leaves tend to last late and may remain on the trees dried for quite some time.
Unlike the related Pin Oak this Oak has ellipsoidal shape acorns.
The twigs are reddish-brown and the bark is dark brown and shallowly furrowed.
Hardy zones 2 to 7 in full sun and tolerates even the extreme winters on the Great Plains. Among the most cold hardy of Oaks, it even grows in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Calgary, Alberta. Also unlike the Pin Oak; this Oak is both drought and very alkaline soil tolerant; it prefers drier well drained soil ( clay tolorant if well drained ) and is intolerant of flooding. It is transplant and trees should be sown on site or moved while small.
Oak, Nuttall ( Quercus nuttallii )
A very fast growing, very large tree reaching around 100 feet that is native to the south central U.S. from central Texas to Missouri & southern Illinois to central Tennessee, south to the Gulf Coast. The Nuttall Oak grows with a strong central leader in a shape similar to that of the White Pine. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 8 feet; 5 years - 24 x 13 feet with a trunk diameter of 6.3 inches; 9 years - 27 x 18 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 inches; largest on record - 160 x 120 feet with a trunk diameter of 7.5 feet across; largest on Colorado - 24 x 23 feet in Denver ( will eventually grow larger but shows it is adapted to drier climates ); largest in Ireland - 57 feet in Dublin. One of the largest known Nuttall Oaks grows in Meridan, Louisiana. A large tree grows in Philadelphia at the Morris Arboretum northwest of the Pennock Garden.
The Nuttall Oak is among the worlds fastest growing Oaks.
The deeply lobed leaves, up to 9 x 5 inches, are purplish-red at first, turning to deep green. The foliage turns to intense orange and scarlet-red during autumn.
The foliage is among the latest deciduous hardwood trees to color during fall in the east, even later than Scarlet Oak.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 ( possibly 4 ), it is far hardier than its natural range would suggest. Though similar in appearance to Scarlet Oak, the Nuttall Oak tolerates drought but also tolerates extreme heat, flooding and alkaline soil unlike the previous. This Oak grows vigorously with healthy clean foliage throughout most of the midwest and eastern U.S. and makes an excellent tree for shading streets and parks.
Unlike many Oaks, the Nuttall Oak is easy to transplant.
'New Madrid'
Produces colorful deep reddish-purple spring foliage from mid April to mid May. Tolerant to wet and dry soil. Vigorous and hardy!
'Redleaf'
Retains its red leaf color for most of the growing season.
Oak, Oglethorpe ( Quercus oglethorpensis )
A rare, deeply-rooted tree, reaching a maximum size of 82 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter od 4 feet. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3 feet; largest in England - 30 feet at Hillier Gardens. It is native to the southeastern U.S. from Louisiana to South Carolina where it is endangered with extinction.
The oblanceolate to elliptical leaves resemble that of Quercus imbricaria Shingle Oak and are up to 6 x 1.5 inches. They are glossy deep green above, velvety yellow-green below and turn red very late in the fall.
The bark is white and flaking and the roots are deep.
Hardy from zone 4 to 9 It is flood and very clay tolorant but does not like transplanting. It can be grown far outside its native range and is reported to be vigorous in Chicago. Unfortunately, it can be killed by Chestnut Blight and not recommended for landscapes for that reason.
Oak, Oriental White ( Quercus aliena )
A large deciduous tree native to Japan and growing to as large as 100 feet tall; 80 feet wide with trunk diameters are large as 7 feet being recorded. Averaging 27 feet in 20 years; one good site it can become very fast growing with the record single year increase being 6 feet. The large thick, oval, foliage is regularly lobed and coarsely toothed, dark green above and paler downy beneath. The leaves look alot like the Chestnut oak and are up to 12 x 7 inches in size. Tolorant of hot sites and grows very well in the Mid Atlantic and Midwest. Hardy from zone 4 to 8 ( tolorates -25 F possibly colder )
Oak, Overcup ( Quercus lyrata )
From the mid Atlantic & southeast U.S. ( Oklahoma to Iowa to New Jersey and south ) this very fast growing Oak can grow huge; to 160 feet tall; 120 feet wide with trunk diameters up to 8.3 feet being known. The canopy is open and spreading with large massive branches. This is truly an "Oak on steroids!", some records including: fastest recorded growth rate - 6 feet; 8.5 years - 24 x 16 feet with a trunk diameter of 9.8 inches; 20 years - 45 x 35 feet.
Trees over 75 feet grow outside its native range in Cincinnati as well as 75 feet tall and wide in drought prone Pueblo, Colorado. One of the largest in Pennsylvania grows along the nature trail near the Pinetum at Haverford College near Philly, PA
Very long-lived, the Overcup Oak can persist up to 400 years.
The deeply-lobed oblong leaves, up to 10 x 7 inches, are reddish at first, turning to glossy deep green above; paler and smooth white-hairy beneath. They turn an excellent yellow-orange in the fall.
The bark is similar to Quercus alba White Oak.
Hardy from zone 4 to 9 tolerating as low as -23 F. Grows well on poor soils, urban conditions and wet sites. It requires hot humid summers to thrives and thus grows slowly in the British Isles.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photo taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photo of unknown internet source
'Highbeam'
THIS OAK IS AWESOME!!! Forms a pyramid shape with a strong central leader with upswept branches, is heat, drought, clay and SWAMP tolerant!!! It is very ornamental and had no pests! Also very rapid growing and grows to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide in 20 years and in fact will likely not exceed 40 feet in width due to its upright habit making it an excellent street and allee tree. The very shiny leathery dark green leaves turn bronze & red in fall.
* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Oak, Palmer ( Quercus palmeri )
An large evergreen shrub reaching around 12 feet that is native from central California ( rare ) to mountains of Arizona ( uncommon ), locally in southwest New Mexico and the Baja Peninsula. Very rarely it can become a small tree to 15 feet. Often in the wild, it forms inpenetrable dense thickets.
The leathery, thick, very spiny, rounded, Holly-like leaves are up to 1.5 inches in length. The foliage is glossy deep green above and waxy yellowish below.
Oak, Persian ( Quercus macranthera )
Native to the Caucasus and the mountains of Iran; this is a fast growing, large tree forming a tall dome shaped crown with ascending upper branches.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3 feet; 13 years - 30 feet; largest on record - 120 x 80 feet and up to 3.5 feet in diameter.
The leaves are large and broadky ovate and 6 to 11 strongly lobed. They are up to 10.5 x 7 inches in size, deep green above, gray and velvety below. The foliage persists into December.
The bark is gray brown, thick and flakes coarsely.
Hardy from zone 5 to 8 and is extremely drought tolorant. It can tolorate very frosty 2 month growing seasons and hates summer heat. Not for the mid Atlantic and southern U.S. but thrives in the British Isles and western Europe. An extremely beautiful tree.
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
Oak, Pin ( Quercus palustris )
Native to North America from Iowa & Wisconsin to Ontario to Mass.; south to eastern Oklahoma to North Carolina; this Oak forms a large dense deciduous tree. It is also fast growing with some records including: fastest recorded growth rate - 1.5 inch diameter increase; 5 years - 25 feet; 12 years - 30 feet; 19 years - 50 x 35 feet with a trunk diameter of 18.5 inches; 30 years - 70 x 40 feet, and eventually to over 100 feet on good sites. Trees as massive as 210 feet in height ( Ohio Valley ); 115 feet in width with trunk diameters up to 8 feet are known to have existed in the old growth hardwood forests that originally covered the eastern U.S.
The record growth increase recorded in a single year is 6 feet.
It also grows large in Europe and is known to reach 100 feet in England. Has even reached 75 feet in Colorado far outside its native range. The Pin Oak can live up to 300 years.
Pyramidal when young; the crown eventually becomes narrowly domed with slender lower branches that droop near the tips. These are called the "Pins". The leaves are elliptic deeply bristle-tipped lobed and up to 8 x 8 inches ( averaging around 5 inches ). They are shiny dark green above and shiny light green below sometimes with tufts of brown hairs. They turn very attractive scarlet in the fall then persist dried on the trees into winter. The bark is silver gray and smooth on young trees and becomes darker, purplish-gray and scaly with vertical streaks as the tree ages. Hardy from zone 3 to 8 and also flood tolerant. In the south it is replaced by the Nuttall Oak.
Pin oak is often found wild on sites that flood heavily during the dormant season but do not ordinarily flood during the growing season. It does not grow on the lowest, most poorly drained sites that may be covered with standing water through much of the growing season. However, it does grow extensively on poorly drained upland soil on the glacial till plains of Ohio, Illinois and Indiana, and n Missouri and Essex / Kent County, Ontario. The level landscape and presence of a claypan in the soil of these areas cause these sites to be poorly drained and excessively wet in winter and spring. Due to its shallow fibrous roots rather than the deep taproot of many Oaks; the Pin Oak is easy to transplant. This is one of the main factors of its abundant use in landscaping for its ornamental features do not exceed that of many less common Oaks. It is also somewhat tolorant of drought and very tolorant of clay and salt. In alkaline areas it is best to use seed of local trees since seed from acid soil clones will often turn yellow from chlorosis and stunt out on such sites.
'Crownright' lacks the pendulous lower branches
* photos taken in Columbia, MD on Feb 2010
* photo taken on April 28 2010 in Clarksville, MD
* photo taken on Oct 30 2011 in Columbia, MD
Oak, Portugese ( Quercus faginea )
A moderate growing, dense, medium-sized, heavy set, semi-evergreen tree with spreading branches forming an irregular crown. The Portugese Oak is native to Spain and Portugal. Some records include: 5 years - 10 feet; 20 years - 42 feet; largest on record - 70 x 66 feet with a trunk diameter of 32 inches. It is long-lived, persisting up to 600 years. Among the most outstanding trees in the British Isles grows at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.
The sharply-toothed, oblong leaves reach up to 6.5 x 3.5 inches ( usually half that ). The foliage is a highly ornamental copper color at first during spring turning to glossy deep green above; gray felted beneath. In the fall the leaves turn glossy red in color and often persist until mid winter.
The acorns are broad ovoid.
The timber is valued for constuction.
Hardy zones 7 to 10, it grows in all soils except chalk and is both drought and very heat tolorant. This Oak is highly recommended for Mediterranean climates only. It also grows in milder parts of the British Isles however does not tolerate the humid summers of the eastern U.S.
Oak, Post ( Quercus stellata )
Native to central and eastern U.S.; this is a large dense broad crowned deciduous tree to 60 feet however sometimes much larger. The largest Post Oaks recorded have reached as large as 140 feet tall; 100 feet wide with trunk diameters as much as 6.5 feet. It is moderate growing with 3 feet growth increase in a year being the record.
The Post oak is very long lived up to 450 years. It is often smaller than some of the other White Oaks but often this is due to its tendency to grow in the worst possible soils imaginable where many trees wont grow at all.
The deeply 4 to 6 lobed, obovate leaves, are up to 10 x 6 ( rarely over 6 ) inches in size.
The rough-textured leaves are glossy blackish-green above, densely downy gray beneath. The foliage turns to bronze during autumn.
The drooping yellow flower catkins, up to 5 inches in length, are borne during spring.
They are followed in fall by acorns around an inch in size.
The red-brown bark is ridged and flaky.
Hardy zones 3b to 9 ( tolerating -40 F ). Very heat and very drought tolorant; the Post Oak can make an excellent urban street tree however care must be taken not to disturb the roots. Compaction and root damage from construction kills mature trees. The subspecies 'similis' can tolorate some flooding and survive on floodplains where most Post Oak wont ( it is also the hardiest to extreme cold and originates from the Mississippi Valley ). Tolerant of soil PH from 4.8 to 7.
* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
Oak, Pyrenees ( Quercus pyrenaica )
A slow growing, very long-lived, rounded-crown, medium sized tree that is native to Portugal, Spain and Italy. It has naturalized in Belgium and is planted in the British Isles where it thrives. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 2 feet; 26 years - 43 feet; largest on record - 100 x 80 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet; longest lived - 600 years.
The elliptic, leathery leaves, up to 9 x 5 inches, are deeply lobed though the lobes are often untoothed. There are usually 4 to 7 lobes on each side.
They are covered in white hairs at first, turning to deep green and smooth above, gray-green hairy beneath.
The spring flowers are yellow drooping catkins.
They are followed by acorns, up to 1.5 inches in length, ripening during autumn.
The shoots are densely tomentose.
Generally hardy only north to zone 7 ( tolorating -4F ) it can be grown much further north with careful selection. There is a clone sold by Oikos Tree Crops that is hardy to -20F. The Pyrenees Oak has however been largely untested in the U.S. where our hot summers make many trees tolorate more winter cold than they would do in Europe.
'Pendula'
Is very attractive large tree with strong weeping side shoots.
Oak, Red ( Quercus rubra )
The Northern Red Oak is a fast growing, large tree, often exceeding 100 feet in height with a trunk diamter of 4 feet, that is native to eastern North America from Lake of the Woods Ontario to southern Quebec and Nova Scotia, south to Oklahoma to central Georgia. It can live up to 700 years and some in the now mostly gone original Eastern Hardwood Forest grew to 200 x 130 feet in size and 10 feet in trunk diameter. Large trees exist today both in its native range ( 110 ft. height, 6.6 ft. trunk diameter in Harwich Township, Kent Co., Ontario ) and far outside its native range ( 90 feet in Colorado, 110 feet in Crowsley Park, Oxfordshire, England ).
Some records: fastest growth rate - 8 feet with a trunk diameter increase of 0.4 inches; first year - 3 feet; 5 years - 20 feet; 25 years - 70 x 70 feet; 45 years - trunk diameter of 2 feet; 100 years - trunk diameter of 3.5 feet.
Its papery leaves, up to 10 x 8 inches, are matte green above, light green beneath. They are reddish in spring and turn scarlet and crimson in the fall sometimes persisting dried into the winter.
The bark is light grey and smooth when young becomming widely furrowed with age.
Hardy from zone 3 to 8 the Red Oak is drought, urban, salt and pollution tolorant but its deep wide roots hate compaction. They grow best on well drained deep acid soil in areas exceeding 30 inches of rainfall per year.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photo of unknown source on internet
* photos taken on April 18 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on April 23 2010 in Ellicott City, MD
* photo taken on May 5 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photo of 19 year old trees taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photo taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photo taken on August 4 2010 in Stratford, Ontario
* photo taken on June 26 2011 in Bel Air, MD
* photo of unknown internet source
* photos taken on Aug 25 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore, PA
* photos taken on Oct 30 2011 in Columbia, MD
'Aurea'
Somewhat slower growing ( up to 45 feet in 20 years ) with foliage that is bright yellow during spring, turning to bright green during summer.
Oak, Rex ( Quercus rex )
A rare medium size Oak from se Tibet & Leos. The leaves looks like that of the Loquat and are up to 12 x 5 inches.
Quercus, Sand Live ( Quercus geminata )
Similar to the regular Live Oak but smaller. It makes an excellent patio tree with white christmas lights. Very fast growing to 20 feet tall and wide. It is hardy from zone 6 to 9 and evergreen from zone 7 and south.
Oak, Sandpaper ( Quercus pungens )
A small tree, that is native to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. It makes an excellent shade tree for arid climates. Trees from the mountains of Sierra Madre, Mexico are much like regular Vasey Oak but much larger and much happier in the heat and humidity of southeastern Texas. Some records include: largest on record - 50 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.5 feet; largest in Pennsylvania - 20 x 20 feet at The Henry Foundation, 801 Stony Lane, Gladwyne.
The spined, holly like, sandpapery, oval leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are deep green.
The bark is silvery.
Hardy zones 7 to 10, it is very heat and extremely drought tolerant.
Oak, Santa Cruz Island Oak ( Quercus parvula )-
Typically a large evergreen shrub or small tree reaching around 20 feet that is native to the central coast of California. It is closely related to the Interior Live Oak but is much shorter - the largest on record is to 60 x 40 feet
The oval leaves up to 2.5 inches in length are deep glossy green above and dull olive green below. Hardy zones 9 to 10 growing in sun or partial shade. Requires a mediterranean type climate.
Oak, Sawtooth ( Quercus acutissima )
A very fast growing, large tree that is native from the Himalayas to China, to Japan & Korea. Some records include: first year - 2 feet; 6 years - 35 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 8 inches; 10 years - 37 feet; 18 years - 70 feet; largest on record - 115 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 6 feet. It is considered at risk of becoming invasive in forests in parts of the eastern U.S. Though not native to the U.S. huge trees already exist both in Baltimore City ( 100 x 80 feet ) and at Morton Arboretum. The largest in Pennsylvania grows at Tayler Arboretum in Wallingford.
The Sawtooth Oak can live up to 250 years.
The narrow oblong, chestnut-like leaves, up to 9 x 3 inches, are smooth glossy deep green above, smooth & paler beneath. The leaves are margined with bristle-tipped teeth. The foliage appears early during spring and turns yellow very late in autumn with the leaves persist dried into the winter. The spring flowers are yellow-green drooping catkins up to 4 inches long and the acorns are up to 1 inch long. These trees can produce acorns in as little as 4 years.
The gray-brown bark has deep fissures.
The Sawtooth Oak makes an excellent urban street tree and tolorates heat, drought and salt. It prefers acid well drained soil but can tolorate flooding.
Hardy from zone 4 to 10. Korean seed sources are the hardiest and can tolerate both -30F and late spring frosts with no dieback.
* photo taken in Columbia, MD on Feb 2010
* photo taken on April 18 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
Oak, Scarlet ( Quercus coccinea )
Native to the eastern U.S. ( from Missouri to Illinois to Ontario to Maine, south to Louisiana to northern Georgia ), this is a fast growing, large deciduous tree with wide spreading branches on an ascending canopy ( young trees are more conical ). Often over 100 feet at maturity; some trees in the original hardwood forest that covered the eastern U.S. a few hundred years ago reached truly gigantic proportions.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 ( rarely over 3 ) feet; 7 years - 25 feet; 10 years - 30 feet; 20 years - 60 x 40 ( rarely over 40 ) feet; 38 years - 70 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.5 feet; largest on record - 204 x 82 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 feet. In England it has already reached 100 feet.
It is long-lived, lasting up to 300 years. The Scarlet Oak makes a great tree for street plantings and parks.
The oblong leaves, up to 9 x 5 inches, usually have 3 lobes on each side.
The foliage is reddish at first, turning to glossy deep green above, paler green beneath. During October the occasional leaf turns red on an otherwise green tree then the Scarlet Oak foliage begins to fire up when the Maple foliage drops, is rich maroon-red by early November and lasts all month, then turns brown and hangs on the tree through December or January ( in Maryland, earlier in New England ).
Fall color is among the most vibrant red of all trees.
The red-brown branches lack the "Pins" ( Pin like twigs ) and dropping lower branches of the Pin Oak.
The bark is light brown and smooth becomming shallowly ridged with age.
Hardy from zone 2 to 9 in full sun on well drained soil. It is very heat, pollution and drought tolerant. Can be prone to chlorosis leaf yellowing and stunting on alkaline soils ( though less than the Pin Oak ) in the Midwest and southern Canada.
This deeply taprooted tree can be difficult to transplant and is best sown on site or planted while small. Care should be taken with transplanting as root damage can impair growth for years to come.
'Splendens'
Large leaf form with very deep red fall color
* photos taken 2008 in Columbia, MD
* photos of unknown source found on internet
* photo taken on April 5 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on April 22 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Audubon Sanctuary, Montgomery Co, MD
* photos taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore, PA
* photo taken on Oct 8 2011 in Columbia, MD
Oak, Scrub ( Quercus dumosa )
A moderate growing, dense, rounded, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 15 feet, that is native to California and Mexico where it is endangered.
Some records include: 11 years - 6.5 feet.
It makes a great garden bonsai with the right pruning.
The leathery, toothed or spiny, Holly-like leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are deep green.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 in full sun on well drained soil. Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
Oak, Shingle ( Quercus imbricaria )
A fast growing, long-lived, massive, domed, large, decidous tree that is native to the Eastern U.S. ( from Iowa to Pennsylvania & New Jersey; south to Arkansas to North Carolina ). Information on growth rates are inconsistant and depend heavily on growing conditions. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 5 ( rarely over 3 ) feet; 8 years - 18 feet; largest on record - 120 x 120 feet with a trunk diameter up to 6 feet. It is known to grow 60 feet in Colorado, 100 feet in Oregon and 90 feet in England far outside its native range. The largest tree in Pennsylvania grows at Longwood Gardens.
The smooth-edged, oblong leaves, up to 10 x 3 ( rarely over 6 ) inches, are reddish at first, turning very glossy deep green above, grayish beneath.
The leaves often turn attractive shades of orange and red during autumn, often persisting dried through the winter. The foliage of the Shingle Oak droops gracefully unlike that of the similar Willow Oak.
The bark is gray-brown with wide shallow fissures.
Hardy from zone 4 to 8; it grows best north of zone 7 b making it the northern counterpart to the Willow Oak.
The Shingle Oak is very drought, salt and urban tolorant. Very beautiful and makes an excellent street tree. It grows better than the Pin Oak on alkaline soils.
* photo taken July 2003 @ University of Maryland, College Park
* photos of unknown internet source
* photos taken on May 1 2010 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photos taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Shumard ( Quercus shumardii )
Native to central and eastern North America from Nebraska to Ontario to Pennsylvania, south to central Texas to northern Florida; this Oak can be cultivated from Ottawa to Miami. It is a large deciduous tree often reaching to 120 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 4 feet or more. It can also be among the tallest of all Oaks and some of the largest ever recorded in old growth river valley forests reach up to 230 feet in height and 80 feet in canopy width with trunk diameters up to 11 feet! Some extremely large Shumards still exists in places such as in Overton Park Forest in Memphis, Tennessee. The largest tree in Pennsylvania grows at Longwood Gardens.
The Shumard oak makes a great shade tree and has a wide spreading canopy.
It is even known to grow 90 x 77 feet in drought prone Colorado far outside its native range. Fast growing with rates up to 6 feet with a trunk diameter increase of an inch in a year being recorded.
This Oak is long-lived, up to 480 years.
It is endangered in Pennsylvania and in Ontario, Canada.
The 5 to 7 deeply bristle-tip lobed leaves, up to 10 x 6 ( rarely over 6 ) inches, are shiny dark green above and paler below. The foliage turns to orange and red during autumn. In spring it leafs out 2 weeks earlier than most other Red Oaks.
The bark is thick and furrowed with scaly gray ridges.
Hardy from zone 4 to 9, the Shumard Oak thrives best on moist soil. It is very drought, flood, alkaline and clay tolerant as well as being tolerant of pollution and compaction making it an excellent urban street tree.
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Silverleaf ( Quercus hypoleucoides )
Native to mountains of Arizona and New Mexico into northwest Mexico; this is a medium size evergreen Oak on good sites reaching about 60 feet. The largest trees on record approach 100 x 50 feet with trunk diameters of 52 inches. The lance shape, very thick, leathery foliage is up to 5 x 1.5 inches in size and lasts up to 13 months. The very attractive leaves are shiny dark green above and striking silvery white beneath. The acorns are small to only 0.5 inches. The black bark is deeply ridged and furrowed. This very rare tree prefers acid soil but is both very heat and drought tolorant and should be used more in arid climate landscapes. It is hardy zones 7 to 10. It grows surprisingly well in the humid east, at least as far north as Raleigh, North Carolina.
Oak, Skinner's ( Quercus skinneri )
A close relative that is very similar in appearance to the Chinkapin Oak but is native to the high mountains of Chiapas state in Mexico as well as parts of Central America. It can become a very large tree.
The foliage very closely resembles that of Quercus muehlenbergii ( Chinkapin Oak ) except that it is intensely scarlet-red at first before turning to glossy mid-green.
It has among the most attractive foliage of all Oaks.
Hardy zones 9 ( possibly 8b - tolerates 17 F with no damage ). Outside it's native range it thrives best in consistently moist regions with cool summers and mild winters such as Cornwall in England as well as much of New Zealand and parts of coastal Chile.
Oak, 'Southern Cross'
An extremely fast growing ( avg. growth rate - 3 feet ), very large Oak with a strong central leader. Some records include: 16 years - 48 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 inches. It is the hybrid between Quercus michauxii and Q. alba.
The oblong leaves, up to 10 x 5.5 inches, are glossy bright green.
This tree is very pest and disease resistant.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 ( estimate ). Flood tolerant.
Oak, Southern Red ( Quercus falcata )
A moderate growing, large tree, reaching around 100 feet, that is native to the southeastern U.S. ( Oklahoma, Missouri to New York City and anywhere south ).
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; first year - 1.5 feet; 20 years - 60 ( rarely over 30 ) feet; largest on record - 210 x 130 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet. Some old giants still exist such as 10 x 130 x 8.3' in Thomaston, GA; 140 x 130' in Harwood, MD and Colonial Beach, VA. Seedlings can grow 18 inches in the first year. In cooler climates it is slower growing however it still grows large ( 75 feet in 75 years in Boston as well as 70 feet at Kew Gardens in England ). This strong sturdy tree makes an excellent shade and street tree. It is long-lived, persisting up to 300 years.
The very attractive deeply cut leaves leaves are smooth, glossy deep green above and covered with brown hairs beneath. They stay green late during autumn but eventually turn orange before finally falling.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, requiring hot humid summers. It is deeply-rooted and extremely drought tolerant. Difficult to transplant, it is best grown from seed on its permanent site or planted when very young. Unlike the Northern Red Oak, this Oak simply will not grow in most of Europe and the Pacific Northwest where the summers are too cool for it's liking. The foliage is rarely bothered by diseases and thus remains lush all summer long.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photos taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on May 5 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 8 2011 in Columbia, MD
Oak, Swamp Chestnut ( Quercus michauxii )
A very fast growing, long-lived, very large tree, reaching 100 feet or more, that is native to the southeast U.S. ( Illinois to New Jersey and south )
Some records include: 1st year - 4 feet; 3 years - 18 feet; largest on record - 200 x 150 feet with a trunk diameter of 7.5 feet ( Marshall Co. TN - among the worlds largest Oaks in total mass ). Unlike many fast growing trees, this one is very sturdy and its strong branches often survive even hurricanes.
The coarsely-toothed, obovate leaves, up to 11 x 7 inches, are glossy green above, silver white beneath. The foliage usually turns red during autumn, its fall color is often as good as the Red Maple..
The attractive bark is light grey.
Hardy zone 5 to 10 ( -23 F ), it requires hot humid summers to thrive.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on Apr 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Swamp White ( Quercus bicolor )
Native from Minnesota to Quebec, south to Kansas to North Carolina; this tree grows with a massive dome shape crown with large crooked branches. A fast growing tree, some records include: 3 years - 18 feet ( from 4 foot transplant ); 30 years - 60 x 60 feet; 110 years - trunk diameter of 3.4 feet. Often over 100 feet; truly gigantic trees often grew in the original old growth forest that blanketed the continent a few hundred years ago. Sizes up to 160 feet tall; 135 feet wide with diameters up to 9 feet were recorded. One such tree with a 9 foot trunk diamter was recorded in Geneseo County, NY in 1880.
The shallowly-lobed, oval leaves, up to 10 x 7 inches, are glossy deep green above; white felted beeneath. The foliage turns yellowish-orange during autumn and sometimes persist on the trees well into the winter.
The bark is similar to that of Quercus alba White Oak.
Hardy zone 3 to 8, pest free and wind tolorant; this makes an excellent tree for planting on the prairies. Being compaction, clay, salt, heat, drought and pollution tolorant; this make an excellent urban street tree. It also tolerates flooding and swampy sites though prefers a deep acid loam in sun or part shade. Long lived up to 400 years.
Last summer I seen a street of these trees in Bowie, MD on Aug 25 2009 and these trees WERE ON FREAKIN STEROIDS!!! Huge glossy lush leaves were completely unbothered by either insect or disease and each tree had at least 4 feet on new growth in either direction. To compare, I have not seen one single street plantation of Maples of any kind be this vigorous all this summer. These oaks showed remarkable heat and drought resistance. The bark was also unusually corked and extremely attractive. Seriously; I could have bought a house on that street just to stare at these trees.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photo taken on August 4 2010 in Stratford, Ontario
* photo taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Audubon Sanctuary, Montgomery Co, MD
Oak, Sweet Acorn ( Quercus x deamii )
An extremely fast growing hybrid Oak of Quercus macrocarpa x muehlenbergii.
Has potential to grow to 200 feet tall; 80 feet across with trunk diameter of 9 feet
with extreme age. The foliage looks like that of Quercus prinus ( except somewhat downy below ); is up to 8 inches long and oblong with 7 to 9 lobes per side.
Hardy from zone 4 to 9.
Oak, Texas Red ( Quercus buckleyi )
Growing to 50 feet or rarely 80 feet with the largest on record being 106 x 82 feet with trunk diameter of 5.5 feet; this Oak is very drought and alkaline tolorant and is a native to central Texas and most of Oklahoma. It is very close to the Shumard Oak but smaller in all its parts. The leaves are up to 4 x 5 inches and have up to 9 bristle tipped lobes. They are deep green above and smooth and green beneath turning vivid orange and red in late December before falling. Hardy zones 5 to 8. Highly regarded as an ornamental and shade tree!
Oak, Turbinella ( Quercus turbinella )
An evergreen Oak native to the sw U.S. and Baja California. It is a medium size tree growing up to 66 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter up to 4.5 feet. The leaves are evergreen up to 5 x 1.5 inches. Extremely drought tolorant growing in climate with between 16 and 32 inches of rain in a year.
Oak, Turkey ( Quercus cerris )
A large very fast growing, large deciduous Oak, it is native from southern Europe to the Middle East. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 feet; 5 years - 13 feet; 20 years - 55 feet; 70 years - trunk diameter of 4 feet; largest on record - 150 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 feet. It is long-lived, persisting up to 300 years. The largest known trees in Pennsylvania grow at Haverford College near Philly and at the Charles Evens Cemetary in Reading. Having an open narrow crown when young; it becomes widely dome shaped as it ages. The Turkey Oak is very strong wooded and storm resistant.
The leaves grow to 8 x 3 inches, are oblong and shallowly lobed and coarsely toothed. They are rough in texture and remain on the trees late into the fall turning from glossy dark green to orange. It is among the last of all deciduous trees to turn colors in the fall.
The bark is light gray to dark gray-brown, thick, rough and deeply ridged.
Normally hardy north to zone 5 or 6 - one strain observed growing in Pennsylvania has been reported fully hardy in zone 5 and even tolerating - 30 F. The Turkey Oak loves hot summers and is lime, drought and very clay tolerant. Rarely seen in the nursery trade due to its deep taproot making it difficult to transplant, this high quality tree should be much more widely used even if grown from acorn on site.
'Laciniata'
Has foliage with narrow spreading lobes.
'Variegata'
Has very striking deep green foliage with conspicuous yellow margins turning creamy white in summer.
Oak, Turkey ( Quercus laevis )
A fast growing, medium-sized tree, that is native to the southeast U.S. ( from central Mississippi to southeast Virginia, south to the Gulf Coast and central Florida ). The Turkey Oak has an open rounded irregular crown and can live up to 160 years. Some records include: 90 x 90 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
A tree of 74 x 42 feet grows in Cockeysville, MD far outside its native range.
The leaves, up to 14 x 10 ( rarely over 8 x 6 ) inches, are very glossy deep green above, paler to orange fuzzy beneath. They are deeply 3 to 7 bristle-tip lobed.
The leaves are held stifly upright and turn very intense scarlet late in the fall.
The leaves on some trees resemble that of a turkey foot in shape.
The thick bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed with rough scaly edges. Hardy from zone 6 to 9 ( tolorates - 3 F or possible colder ). Extremely drought tolorant and grows best in sandy, very acid ( PH 5 to 6 ), very well drained soil. It requires hot summers to thrive, it will grow in parts of the British Isles however very slowly.
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, Turner ( Quercus turneri )
A hybrid between Quercus ilex & Quercus robur Oaks; this Oak is semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on climate. It can grow to 130 feet in height; 100 feet across with a trunk diameter up to 6 feet with a massive spreading dome shaped crown. Fast growing; the most yearly growth increase recorded is 5 feet.
The leaves are leathery with 3 to 5 triangular teeth on either side. They reach up to 5 x 2.5 inches and are dark green above, paler below. Yellow green drooping late spring catkins later become acorns that are few and small, less than an inch in size. The bark is dark gray and cracked into plates.
A very handsome tree; hardy from zone 6 to 9.
Oak, Ubame( Quercus phillyroides )
With the cultivar 'Emerald' being superior as a landscape tree, this rare moderate growing, dense, rounded medium-sized, evergreen tree is native to China and Japan.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 feet; 20 years - 27 x 10 feet; largest on record - 60 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
The leathery, oval leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are bronze-red at first, turning glossy deep green on both sides during the remainder of the year.
The bark is dark gray with shallow vertical fissures.
It is hardy from zone 6 to 10, it thrives in the hot humid southeastern U.S. as well as mediterranean climates. Very drought and pollution tolerant. Tolerates shearing.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
Oak, Valley ( Quercus lobata )
Also called California White Oak; this is a fast growing, massive domed, heavy set, large tree living up to 600 years and reaching up to 100 feet or more. It is native to the central Valley of California where unfortunately the draining of groundwater to below 70 feet has killed thousands of mature trees. Otherwise it is very hardy and is NOT prone to Sudden Oak Death. Some records include: 5 years - 20 feet; 10 years - 40 feet; 20 years - 60 feet; largest on record - 180 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 14 feet. It has been reported to grow to 90 feet in England but does not grow in the central and Eastern U.S due to its dislike of humid summers.
The leaves, up to 7 x 3.3 inches, are glossy deep green above and downy, pale green beneath, with broad rounded lobes. The fall color is yellow to orange fading to brown late in the fall.
The acorns are long ( up to 3 inches ) and pointed.
The acorns are of excellent quality and up to a ton of acorns have been reported in a single year on a large tree. It was among the most important of all Oak to the Native Indians.
The thick bark ( up to 6 inches thick )is light gray and broken into square plates. Prefers soil PH from 4.5 to 8. This tree grows far better on sites where there is no lawn and has total weed control beneath. It should not be watered in the summer once established and fungicides or insecticides should not be used near it. This is truly a Mediterranean climate tree typified by wet winters and dry summers. It is hardy from zone 7 to 10 ( 6 possible on very sheltered site ).
* photos of unknown internet source
Oak, Vallonea ( Quercus macrolepis )
A medium-sized tree, that is native to the Balkans, southeast Turkey and Greece.
It reaches a maximum size of 85 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.5 feet.
Some records include: 17 years - 20 feet.
The leaves are deeply cut and often fiddle-shaped, up to 6 x 2 inches in size.
The rugged bark is dark brown.
Hardy zones 7 to 10, it is drought tolorant and grows best in Meditteranean climates. Hot summers are a necessity.
'Hemelrijk Silver'
Very large, silvery-green leaves.
Oak, Water ( Quercus nigra )
A fast growing, broad, dome-shaped, large tree that is native to the southern & Mid Atlantic U.S.A. ( from Oklahoma to Delaware; south to Texas and central Florida ).
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 feet; 5 years - 25 feet, largest on record - 150 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 8.3 feet. One of the largest Water Oaks ever known grows at Roseland Plantation, Concordia Parish, Louisiana.
The record single year growth increment is 6 feet.
The thick, leathery leaves have a distinct trident shape or also can be oval and variously lobed. They are up to 10 x 6 inches in size ( averaging half that ) and are glossy deep green above, glossy light green below. They remain green late in the fall and do not fall until well into December even in Ohio. Semi-evergreen in the Deep South.
The acorns are an important food for waterfowl.
The bark is dark gray-black and develops scaly ridges.
Grows best in deep, fertile moist soil; this Oak is very tolorant of flooding and often grows in swamps in the wild.
Easy to transplant. Hardy from zone 5 to 10 possibly even zone 4. Known to tolorate -23F in Michigan. A handsome extremely graceful shade tree that is very heat and clay tolerant.
* photos taken on October 9 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photo of unknown internet source
Oak, White ( Quercus alba )
A moderate growing, large deciduous tree that often exceeds 100 feet. It also grows large outside its native range and one in Colorado is over 70 feet. A huge White Oak with a trunk width well over 6 feet across grows as far north as near Peterborough, Ontario. The largest trees in the original old growth forest that blanketed the Eastern U.S. ( Minnesota to Maine & south ) during the times of the Native Indians reached up to 240 feet in height, 160 feet in width and 11 feet in trunk diameter. This rivals the largest trees in the Amazon Valley of South America. A mature White Oak usually has a straight and massive trunk supporting spreading branches and a massive broad canopy of foliage. The White Oak lives up to 1000 years. Some records include: first year - 9 inches; 10 years - 27 x 12 ( usually much less ) feet with a trunk diameter of 5 inches; 70 years - 100 feet.
The deeply and irregularly lobed, oval leaves are pinkish-red to soft green when young turning in summer to deep green above and whitish below. In late fall the leaves turn purple-crimson and often remain very late on the trees. The leaves can reach up to 11 x 8 inches in size but are more often half that. The stiff foliage does not sway in breezes or droop.
The White Oak produces acorns in 20 years. A 70 foot tall and 2 feet in diameter tree at 70 years old in Virginia was known to have produce 60 000 acorns. A grove of such can produce 200 000 acorns per acre. This tree is extremely valuable as winter food for wildlife and if the Oak every disappeared many of our birds and animals would disappear with it.
The bark is light gray with lifting plates between deep parallel fissures.
The wood is hard heavy and strong and is excellent for furniture. The White Oak is hardy on most well drained soils in eastern North America from zone 3 to 9. It grows best with hot summers so it is not recommended in maritime western Europe where its growth is slow.
A one year old seedling may only be 4 inches tall yet have a taproot over 12 inches deep. The White Oak is best planted in its permanent location with protection from animals for it's first few years ( a screen cage is good ). Its deep taproot makes it difficult to transplant but also makes it extremely drought tolorant and tolerant of high winds. The White Oak is salt and pollution tolerant but does not like disturbance and compaction of its roots.
* August 2009 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
* photo taken in Columbia, MD on Feb 2010
* photos taken on April 18 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on Oct 9 2011 in Columbia, MD
'Regal Prince'
Fast growing, columnar and exceptionally hardy, reaching up to 9.5 x 2.5 feet in 5 years in Alberta, Canada. The foliage is deep green above, silvery beneath.
Hardy north to zone 3
Oak, Willow ( Quercus phellos )
A very fast growing, massive, stately, large, deciduous tree, often exceeding 100 feet, that is native to the eastern U.S. ( Oklahoma and southern Missouri to Philadelphia and New York City; south to the Gulf Coast ). A young tree is pyramidal and shaped similarily to the Pin Oak, and an older tree is spreading and truly massive. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - trunk diameter increase of 1.25 inches; 2 years - 5 feet; 5 years - 25 feet; 9 years - 28 x 12 feet with a trunk diameter of 9 inches; 12 years - 29 x 18 feet; 17 years - 50 feet; 38 years - 90 x 70 feet with a diameter of 3 feet ( Columbia, MD ); largest on record - 160 x 130 feet with a trunk diameter of 8.5 feet. Record size trees with trunk diameters of 8.5 feet are known from both Nuxubee Co., GA and Memphis, TN. One of 126 X 106 X 8 feet grew in Easton, MD. Another tree of 7.2 foot diameter was recorded from Bryn Mawr, PA. In PA the Willow Oak was originally found wild from Philadelphia to the Delaware border; it is now endangered there. The Willow Oak is long-lived, persisting up to 300 years. It is among the best street trees for the southeast and Mid Atlantic regions of the U.S. This majestic tree was the favorite of U.S. president Thomas Jefferson, and he planted alot - and it is still commonly planted in the Washington, D.C region.
The long, narrow leaves, up to 7 x 1 inches, are glossy luxuriant mid-green.
They stay green very late into the fall when they turn yellow, orange and sometimes red and often stay on the tree long into December.
The bark is light brown and ridged.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 ( reported to tolerate as low as -25 F ), healthy trees grow at Ohio State University and it successfully grows even in Minnesota. The Willow Oak is very heat and moderate salt tolerant and deep rooted on drier sites yet adaptable to wetter sites where it can tolerate up to 2 months submersion. It is rarely bothered by insect pests or disease. While it prefers hot humid summers, it is known to reach over 70 feet at Kew Gardens in England.
* Feb 2009 U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on March 28 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on Apr 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photos taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photo taken on October 24 2010 in Arlington, VA
* photo taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
Additional Oaks:
Quercus berberidifolia - 10 x 5 feet and bonsai like in appearance. Extremely drought tolerant
0 comments:
Post a Comment