Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)
Sawtooth Oak, Japanese Silkmorm Oak, Sawthorn 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 source of food 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 are susceptible to oak wilt, chestnut blight, shoestring root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, cankers, leaf spots, 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, Himalayas
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Quercus - Oaks |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 40' – 60' (12m – 18m) |
Spread | 40' – 60' (12m – 18m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Drought |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
Backpacking, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Quercus - Oaks |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 40' – 60' (12m – 18m) |
Spread | 40' – 60' (12m – 18m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Drought |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |