Digging deeperPlant Library

Heritage English Oak

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  Truffle Oak

Description:

A large growing and stately hybrid oak with a consistent upright habit of growth and a strong central leader, typically low-branched, best for larger landscapes where it will have room to grow; extremely tough, faster growing than other oaks

Ornamental Features

Heritage English Oak has dark green deciduous foliage on a tree with a pyramidal habit of growth. The lobed leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up.

Landscape Attributes

Heritage English Oak is a dense deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal 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 birds and squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Heritage English Oak is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade

Planting & Growing

Heritage English Oak will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 45 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 6 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 300 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. 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. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.