Habitat

• native to Japan, China, Korea and the Himalayas
• zone 6, possibly warmer parts of 5

Habit and Form

• a deciduous tree
• 40 to 60' tall
• dense, rounded crown
• wide-spreading
• medium texture
• moderate growth rate

Summer Foliage

• alternate leaf arrangement
• simple, deciduous leaves
• oblong leaf shape
• 3.5" to 7.5" long
• up to 2.5" wide
• serrated leaf margins
• bristled-like teeth on serrations
• young leaves are pubescent
• glossy, dark green leaves
• rounded leaf base

Autumn Foliage

• brownish-yellow fall color

Flowers

• monoecious
• male flowers are pendulous yellow-green catkins
• blooms in May
• messy

Fruit

• acorn enclosed in an involucre
• involucre has spreading and recurved scales
• acorn 1" long
• dark brown in color
• fruit can be numerous

Bark

• ridged and furrowed bark
• ash brown
• glabrous, grayish stems

Culture

• easily transplanted
• prefers well-drained, acidic soil
• pH adaptable

Landscape Use

• shade tree
• for large area
• lawn tree
• park tree

Liabilities

• no serious pest problems

ID Features

• imbricate, pubescent, grayish brown, buds buds
• buds are up to 0.5" long
• ashy brown bark
• acorns

Propagation

• by seed

Cultivars/Varieties

var. chenii - This variant features smooth leaves and smaller acorns.

'Gobbler' - Known for its abundant production of acorns that are favored by wildlife, this species has been planted in many areas. This selection is notable for its profuse production of nuts early in the season.