Quercus velutina

RHS Plant Profile
black oak

Other common names

American black oak, dyer's oak, quercitron, yellow-barked oak

Synonyms

Quercus tinctoria

Trees

A large, deciduous tree to 25m tall with a globular, spreading crown, young shoots and buds covered in down and almost black outer bark on mature trees with yellow inner bark. Its large, irregularly-lobed leaves up to 30cm long are dark green above and paler below with tufts of down in the vein axils; foliage turns yellow, red and brown in the autumn. Flowers are a greenish-yellow colour and followed by solitary or paired acorns in autumn.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–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
Columnar upright
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
E North America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or grafting in mid-autumn or late winter

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 and honey fungus