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. 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 |