Quercus canariensis

RHS Plant Profile
Algerian oak
Algerian oak Dorling Kindersley 2003

Other common names

Mirbeck's oak

Synonyms

Quercus mirbeckii

Award of Garden Merit
Trees

A large deciduous tree, initially narrow, later becoming broadly rounded, with glossy, dark green leaves up to 15cm in length, persisting well into winter. Insignificant greenish-yellow flowers

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, 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

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
SW Europe, N Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. A fast growing spreading deciduous tree

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sowing as soon as ripe, in a coldframe or grafting in mid-atumn or early winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Flower borders and beds

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