Species

Quercus roburEnglish Oak

1 other cultivar

‘Clemons’Clemons Kindred Spirit Oak

tree

Upright English Oak

Quercus robur 'Fastigiata'

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus robur, the English oak, is a long-lived deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia that typically develops a broad, spreading canopy under optimal conditions. The species is highly adaptable to varied soil textures and pH levels, producing deeply lobed dark green leaves and acorns that provide significant wildlife value.

'Fastigiata' is a narrow, columnar selection featuring upright branches that rise at sharp angles closely appressed to the main trunk. The dense foliage turns yellowish-brown in fall and exhibits marcescence, retaining its dead brown leaves through much of the winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a strong vertical accent and formal structure with its tight, columnar habit and persistent winter foliage.

Excellent for tight urban spaces, narrow street plantings, or as a tall, dense windbreak.

Acorns provide a valuable food source for squirrels, jays, and other local wildlife.

SpeciesQuercus roburEnglish Oak

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720"

Width

240"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Europe, Western Asia

Toxicity

Low

Bloom period

Mid-spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with deep, well-drained soil to accommodate the deep taproot.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the graft union remains above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently to remove air pockets, and water deeply to settle the roots.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent decay.

Pro Tip

Propagate this cultivar exclusively through grafting or budding; growing 'Fastigiata' from acorns results in high genetic variability, yielding broad, spreading trees rather than the signature columnar form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.
Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Plant in full sun to maximize canopy density and minimize the risk of fungal diseases.

Don't

Do not prune the tree during spring or summer, as open wounds during this period increase susceptibility to oak wilt.
Do not over-fertilize established trees, which can cause excessive, weak vegetative growth.
Do not allow soil to become waterlogged, as the root system dislikes prolonged saturated conditions.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal AccentStreet TreeScreeningNarrow SpacesSpecimen Planting

Companion Plants

Buxus sempervirens Nepeta faassenii Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Upright English Oak questions

What zones can Upright English Oak grow in?

Upright English 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 Upright English Oak deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Upright English Oak, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Upright English Oak bloom?

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

Does Upright English Oak need full sun?

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

Is Upright English Oak drought tolerant?

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