Quercus velutina
black oak
A large, deciduous tree to 25m tall with a globular, spreading crown, young shoots and buds covered in down and almost black outer bark on mature trees with yellow inner bark. Its large, irregularly-lobed leaves up to 30cm long are dark green above and paler below with tufts of down in the vein axils; foliage turns yellow, red and brown in the autumn. Flowers are a greenish-yellow colour and followed by solitary or paired acorns in autumn.
Synonyms
Quercus tinctoria
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Brown Red Yellow | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Canada
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or grafting in mid-autumn or late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus
Get involved
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