Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)

Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak) is a large deciduous tree with an open, broad-spreading, rounded crown and handsome, chestnut-like foliage. The lustrous dark green leaves have sharply bristle-toothed, slightly wavy margins and turn yellow to golden brown in fall. They emerge early in spring and may persist well into winter. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins appear as the new leaves unfold. The dark gray bark, marked with reddish-brown furrows, adds texture and winter interest.

The rich brown, oval acorns are an important food source for birds and small mammals, although young trees may take a decade or more to produce their first substantial crop. Moderate to fast growing, heat tolerant, and adaptable, Sawtooth Oak can make an impressive shade or lawn tree where there is ample room for its broad canopy.

The oak genus includes many beloved trees, such as Live Oak, White Oak, Red Oak, Blue Oak, Bur Oak, and Pin Oak.

Oaks support an exceptionally wide range of butterfly and moth larvae. Species associated with oaks include the Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus), Edward’s Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii), Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album), Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius), and Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis). The acorns also provide valuable food for wildlife, including birds and mammals.

• 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. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions and performs especially well in moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Once established, it shows useful drought tolerance.
• Best suited as a specimen tree, shade tree, or lawn tree in large landscapes.
• Generally has good pest resistance, although oaks may be affected by oak wilt, chestnut blight, shoestring root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, canker, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
• This species may become weedy or invasive in some regions and is listed as a noxious weed in one or more Midwestern states.
• Toxic to horses if significant quantities of leaves or acorns are consumed.
• 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.