Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)

Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak) is a large deciduous tree adorned with an open, broad-spreading, rounded crown. The foliage of chestnut-like, lustrous dark green leaves with bristle-toothed, slightly wavy edges turns yellow to golden brown in the fall. Emerging early in spring, the leaves may persist into winter. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins appear in spring as the leaves emerge. The trunk and upright branches, with their dark gray bark and reddish-brown furrows, provide architectural elegance and winter interest. The rich brown, oval acorns are a valuable food source for small mammals and birds, but Sawtooth Oak may take up to 10 years before the first crop of acorns is produced. A moderate to fast grower, it is an excellent shade or lawn tree for large areas. Tolerant of heat and humidity, it is regarded as a great choice for Western gardens.

• Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall and wide (12-18 m).
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. Sawtooth oak tolerates dry soils but prospers in moist, well-drained, acid soils. Drought tolerant.
• Perfect as a specimen plant.
• Good pest resistance. Oaks, in general, are susceptible to oak wilt, chestnut blight, shoestring root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, canker, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
• This plant is listed as a noxious weed in one or more Midwestern states.
• Toxic to horses.
• Native to China, Korea, Japan, and the Himalayas.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.