Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' (Pyramidal English Oak)


Michael's Opinion

There seems to be quite a bit of variability between specimens. Some plants are absolute rubbish while others are a delight. Look for trees that are tightly formed and that retain their leaves into the winter months. Since this tree has a habit of flopping apart with wet winter snows, caution should be excercised in looking for tight formed specimens. If the right plant is found (see picture) then you will have a first rate tree.

Botanical Information

FamilyFagaceae
GenusQuercus
Speciesrobur
Cultivar'Fastigiata'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
ReferencesCommonly available.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4-9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height15 m
Spread3 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA frequently planted upright fastigiate tree, with light leaf colour and variable form.
ID CharacteristicIf acorns are present they will be longer than wide; noticeably so. The leaves will be many lobed, with regular rounded serrations.
ShapeFastigiate or upright.
PropagationUsually grafted onto Quercus robur rootstock.
PestsAphids and the associated sooty mould can be slightly disfiguring although seldom do they warrant control. More of a problem is inter-veinal chlorosis, caused by lack of iron related to high pH soils.
Notable SpecimensThe University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario has one of the best plants I have seen, while Fanshawe College has some of the worst. The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens also has some exceptional specimens.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionLightly furrowed, indistinct light to dark grey colour.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionShort, squat rounded buds with pronounced scales.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves will be many lobed, with regular rounded serrations. They will often be light green in colour, about 10cm long and 4 cm wide. Occasionally leaves may exhibit symptons of inter-veinal chlorosis.
Flower DescriptionInsignificant.
Fruit DescriptionIf acorns are present they will be longer than wide; noticeably so. Light in colour they are almost oblong in shape. Not all planted selections produce fruit.
Colour DescriptionAutumn colour is insignificant, often a spotty sickly yellow colour. With those that retain leaves in the winter the landscape is enhanced by the dark beige colour of the leaves against a backdrop of snow.
Texture DescriptionIf proper selection is undertaken then you would have a tight formed, broadly fastigiate tree of medium texture.

Photographs