Other Names:  Shin Oak

Group/Class:  White Oak

Description:

A graceful southwestern native variety that eventually produces massive, horizontal spreading limbs, creating a large shade canopy; semi-evergreen, or persistent foliage is dark green and glossy; very impressive in large landscape areas

Ornamental Features

Vasey Oak has dark green evergreen foliage on a tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. The serrated oval pinnately compound leaves remain dark green throughout the winter. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up. The rough silver bark and gray branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Vasey Oak is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds and squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Vasey Oak is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Hedges/Screening
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Vasey Oak will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 40 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 150 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. This plant will benefit from an application of bonemeal and/or mycorrhizal fertilizer at the time of planting. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.