tree

Sawtooth Oak

Quercus acutissima

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus acutissima is a medium-sized deciduous tree that develops a broad-spreading, rounded crown and a short trunk with dark gray, corky ridged bark. The glossy dark green leaves feature prominent bristle-tipped teeth along the margins, resembling a chestnut leaf, and turn golden brown in fall.

This species is distinguished by its heavy annual production of large acorns with distinctive frilly, bur-like cups. It grows rapidly compared to many native oaks, making it a functional shade tree, though its aggressive self-seeding has led to its classification as an invasive species in parts of the eastern United States.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a broad, rounded canopy of glossy foliage that turns golden brown in fall, complemented by deeply ridged, corky bark in winter.

Functions as a fast-growing shade tree that tolerates soil compaction and heavy clay better than many native oak species.

Produces heavy annual crops of acorns that serve as a major food source for various birds and mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720"

Width

600"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained soil, ensuring ample space for a broad mature canopy.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the root flare level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil without adding soil amendments, tamping lightly to remove large air pockets.
Water deeply at the root zone immediately after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season.

Pro Tip

Plant the tree with the root flare fully exposed at or slightly above grade level; burying the collar encourages stem-girdling roots that eventually choke the tree.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Expose the root flare completely at planting to prevent collar rot.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.
Perform structural pruning in late winter while the tree is dormant.

Don't

Do not pile mulch against the bark, which traps moisture and invites fungal pathogens.
Do not apply fast-release high-nitrogen fertilizers that can burn the root system.
Do not prune into old, leafless wood or make heavy heading cuts.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade TreeSpecimenWildlife Garden

Companion Plants

Carex pensylvanica Viburnum acerifolium Polystichum acrostichoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sawtooth Oak questions

What zones can Sawtooth Oak grow in?

Sawtooth Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Sawtooth Oak bloom?

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

Does Sawtooth Oak need full sun?

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

Is Sawtooth Oak drought tolerant?

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