Quercus (Oak)

Oaks were a particular passion of Sir Harold, and for many years the world expert on oaks was the botanist at the Gardens. As such, the impressive Quercus collection, containing over 500 cultivars and 916 individual plants, includes some very rare trees. Quercus furfuracea is a highly endangered species of oak from Mexico which is almost extinct in the wild and very rare in cultivation.

• Plants in this genus have a particularly rapid growth rate and can grow for over a thousand years.
• Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen, and although the majority are large trees, there are some that are shrub-like – particularly those from Mediterranean regions.
• Flowering in spring and early summer (depending on species), Quercus produce their distinctive fruits (acorns) in autumn. Both acorn and ‘cup’ can be very attractive in some species.
• Their thick leathery leaves help with water conservation and reflect heat, particularly those that are from hot, dry climates.
• This is a widespread genus across the northern hemisphere, although there are a number that come from the subtropics too.