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Quercus stellata

iron oak

A slow-growing small to medium-sized deciduous tree eventually reaching 12m. The rich green leaves have deep rounded lobes and the first two are often so prominent that there is a crucifix-like appearance. The feel of them is rough due to short hard hairs all over. The autumn colour can be a good dark gold-bronze

Other common names
post oak
rough white oak

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Gold Bronze
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Fagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Suited to large gardens and parkland. Grow in any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light. For more information see tree cultivation.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or seed, soon after it drops. For more advice see our information on how to propagate from seed (tree/shrub

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
Pruning

Pruning group 1

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

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