Other Names:  Ring Cupped Oak

Description:

A stunning oak with a symmetrical upright-oval habit of growth that will round out in time; often multistemmed; ideal as a focal point in home landscapes; a majestic shade tree, extremely tough and adaptable, relatively fast growing

Ornamental Features

Japanese Blue Oak has attractive dark green foliage with grayish green undersides which emerges coppery-bronze in spring on a tree with a round habit of growth. The glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and turn brown in fall. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up.

Landscape Attributes

Japanese Blue Oak is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. 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 squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Japanese Blue Oak is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade
• Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Japanese Blue Oak will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast 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 locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. 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 not originally from North America.