Quercus pubescens (Downy Oak)

A favored species for the production of truffles, Quercus pubescens (Downy Oak) is a medium-sized deciduous or semi-deciduous tree with a broad and irregular open-rounded crown and twisted branches. The egg-shaped or elliptical leaves, up to 5 in. long (12 cm), are divided into 3-7 pairs of deep or shallow lobes, which are usually divided into a few sublobes. Dark green above and pale gray-green beneath, they are densely pubescent and covered by soft short hairs when they start developing. As they mature, all the hairs on their upper side practically disappear, and they become leathery and dark green. Grouped in branched clusters at the branch ends, the leaves persist late into the fall, remaining green up to early winter. They eventually turn russet or brown and fall off, revealing the rough pale gray bark cracked into deep furrows. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins appear in spring. The oval acorns are a valuable source of food for small mammals and birds. They are used for livestock fodder, including pigs in Italy. Long-lived, Downy Oak shows good tolerance to low humidity and dry summer conditions. The species is able to withstand frost in the winter and drought in the summer. An excellent shade tree or street tree.

• Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall (12-18 m) and 20-40 ft. wide (6-12 m).
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates some part shade. Drought tolerant.
• No serious insect or disease issues. Oaks may be affected by oak wilt, chestnut blight, shoestring root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, cankers, leaf spots, and powdery mildew.
• Toxic to horses.
• Native to Southern Europe, Asia.