Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)

Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak) is a large deciduous tree adorned with an open, broad-spreading, rounded crown. The foliage of chestnut-like, lustrous dark green leaves with bristle-toothed, slightly wavy edges, turns yellow to golden brown in the fall.

Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak) is a large deciduous tree adorned with an open, broad-spreading, rounded crown. The foliage of chestnut-like, lustrous dark green leaves with bristle-toothed, slightly wavy edges, turns yellow to golden brown in the fall. Emerging early in spring, the leaves may persist into winter. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins appear in spring as the leaves emerge. The trunk and upright branches, with their dark gray bark and reddish-brown furrows, provide architectural elegance and winter interest. The rich brown, oval acorns are a valuable source of food for small mammals and birds, but Sawtooth Oak may take up to 10 years before the first crop of acorns is produced. A moderate to fast grower, it is an excellent shade or lawn tree for large areas. Tolerant of heat and humidity, it is regarded as a great choice for Western gardens.

  • Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall and wide (12-18 m).
  • A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. Sawtooth oak tolerates dry soils but prospers in moist, well-drained, acid soils. Drought tolerant.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Good pest resistance. Oaks are susceptible to oak wilt, chestnut blight, shoestring root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, cankers, leaf spots, and powdery mildew.
  • This plant is listed as a noxious weed in one or more Midwestern states.
  • Toxic to horses.
  • Native to China, Korea, Japan, Himalayas
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 3
– 8

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Quercus – Oaks
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 40'
– 60'
(12m
– 18m)
Spread 40'
– 60'
(12m
– 18m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow