Quercus marilandica

RHS Plant Profile
black jack oak

Other common names

jack oak

Synonyms

Quercus dilatata Raf.

Trees

A slow-growing, spreading tree eventually reaching up to 15m tall with deeply-cracked bark on mature specimens. Leaves up to 18cm long are three-lobed, glossy and dark green above with hairy, yellowish-brown undersides. Insignificant spring flowers are followed by small acorns in autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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
C & CE USA

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained, preferably acidic soil in full sun; tolerates poor soils and drought conditions

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Low Maintenance

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 amd honey fungus