Species

1 other cultivar

‘Skinny Genes Oak’Skinny Genes Oak

treeN. America Native

Streetspire Oak

Quercus robur q alba 'Streetspire'

The Story

Plant Bio

This hybrid oak combines the columnar habit of English Oak (Quercus robur) with the adaptability and mildew resistance of White Oak (Quercus alba), creating a tough, durable tree.

'Streetspire' is notable for its extremely tight, upright, columnar form, making it an excellent choice for narrow urban spaces, street plantings, and formal screens. It has dark green, mildew-resistant foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Its strong architectural form provides a powerful vertical element in the landscape, creating a sense of formality and grandeur. The dense, dark green foliage offers a clean look through summer, turning yellowish-brown in fall.

Specifically selected for urban environments, its narrow profile fits into tight spaces like street medians, narrow yards, and foundation plantings where a traditional oak would be too large. It is also highly tolerant of urban pollution and compacted soils.

As a native hybrid, it is a keystone species, supporting hundreds of species of insects, particularly caterpillars, which are a crucial food source for birds. Its acorns provide food for squirrels, jays, and other wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

168 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived, over 100 years

Native To

Hybrid of European and North American species

Toxicity

Acorns are toxic to horses and mildly toxic to dogs if ingested in quantity.

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is slightly above the soil line.
Backfill the hole with the soil you removed, tamping lightly.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the root zone, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Water deeply and infrequently during its first few years to encourage a deep, drought-tolerant root system, crucial for long-term health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best growth and form.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings once established.
Prune sparingly in winter to maintain its natural columnar shape.
Protect the trunk of young trees from mechanical damage.

Don't

Do not plant in consistently wet or poorly drained soils.
Avoid planting too deep; keep the root flare visible.
Don't over-fertilize; oaks thrive in average soil.
Avoid compacting the soil over the root zone with heavy equipment.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent vertical accent for formal landscapesDurable and narrow street treeEffective tall screen for privacy

Companion Plants

Buxus 'Green Velvet'Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans'Geranium 'Rozanne'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Streetspire Oak questions

What zones can Streetspire Oak grow in?

Streetspire Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Streetspire Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Streetspire Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Streetspire Oak bloom?

Streetspire Oak typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Streetspire Oak need full sun?

Streetspire Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Streetspire Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Streetspire Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.