Quercus cerris Curly Head - Oak

Quercus cerris Curly Head is a rare and distinctly atypical variety of the Curly Oak, which differs from the species in terms of foliage, silhouette, and size. It has a much slower growth rate than the botanical species, remaining compact with a narrow habit, not exceeding 3 to 4 metres in height after many years. Its foliage, in particular, is extremely unique, with its crinkled appearance due to the astonishing curling of the leaves. With its beautiful dark green glossy look, this vegetation never fails to amaze. In autumn, it turns yellow before drying out and remains on the plant practically until the new leaves appear.

The Curly Oak belongs to the Fagaceae family, like Beech and Chestnut. It is native to southeastern Europe and is widespread from the Balkan Peninsula to the western shore of the Black Sea and central Europe. It is a species of warm temperate climate that appreciates limestone soils but is sensitive to prolonged droughts. The botanical species, with its rapid growth, reaches an average height of 20 metres and a spread of 10-12 metres, but its habit varies greatly, being more or less spreading and irregular. This oak develops a crown that is initially conical and becomes more rounded over time.
Curly Head is probably one of its most surprising varieties. This selection was made by the Dutch nurseryman M.M. Bömer, from Zundert (Van Gogh's hometown, in the south of the Netherlands, near the Belgian border). The original plant, discovered around 1989, measured only 1.50 metres in 2005, which illustrates its slow growth... It varies depending on the climate, but after 10 years of growth, the plant will reach a height of 2 metres and a width of 80 cm to 1 metre. Its final height at maturity, after a few decades, is estimated to be between 3 and 4 metres. With its narrow habit, few branches, and several well-erected vertical axes, around which groups of leaves cluster, Curly Head resembles a Mahonia or a Boxwood more than an Oak!
Its foliage is also atypical. The leaves are slightly smaller than those of the species, measuring 8 to 10 cm in length and 3 to 4 cm in width. The leaf has rounded, more or less deep lobes, which a keen eye will recognise as oak leaves upon close observation. However, due to the highly crinkled nature of the leaves, their strongly wavy surface will confuse many. They are dark green, shiny and highly decorative. The leaves are clustered on the branches, further enhancing the uniqueness of the plant. The branches are velvety, grey-green or brown-green, while the bark is almost black and rough.
In April-May, this small Oak produces golden yellow, 5 to 6 cm long catkins, which will give oval, 2.5 to 3 cm acorns grouped in clusters of 1 to 4. The cupules are adorned with long, slender, and curved scales (hence the name Curly Oak).
When autumn arrives, the foliage turns yellow and brown, and the dry leaves, which are almost marcescent, persist on the plant until the emergence of new leaves the following year.
This oak is hardy to approximately -24°C and grows well in limestone soil, as well as in neutral to slightly acidic soils. Once well-rooted, it tolerates drought relatively well but appreciates occasional watering. However, it does not tolerate stagnant water. It thrives in a sunny exposure but also tolerates light shade.

Quercus cerris Curly Head is one of those distinctive plants that some adore and others avoid. It is easy to cultivate and will appeal to enthusiasts and collectors with its strange appearance. It will find its perfect place in a "bizarretum," a part of the garden or a bed dedicated to plants with atypical silhouettes. In the background, you can plant the astonishing Cryptomeria japonica 'Araucarioides', a conifer with long thread-like branches composed of very small overlapping needles. Another possible companion is Cercis canadensis Alley Cat, a Canadian Redbud with large green leaves splashed with white. Its pink flowering, which appears directly on the bare wood and early in spring, is always surprising. Also, consider the unusual fruiting of Decaisnea fargesii, a shrub whose clusters of cream-yellow star-shaped flowers are out of the ordinary...