Quercus Monument - Oak

The Quercus 'Monument' is one of the best varieties of columnar oak due to its harmonious habit and natural resistance to powdery mildew. Its foliage is particularly decorative and remains so until late in the season. With a dense, regular, and narrow crown, this tree expands slightly over time without losing its splendour. This oak is perfect as a standalone specimen, in rows, or as a hedge to create a windbreak. It is highly resistant to cold and can be easily grown in deep, fertile, and moist soil.

The 'Monument' oak is the result of a cross between the columnar pedunculate oak (Quercus robur 'Fastigiata') and the Caucasian oak (Quercus macranthera). It was created in 1984 at the botanical garden of Adama Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland, and was introduced to the market in 2009. At maturity, this tree reaches approximately 17.50 m in height with a spread of 4-5 m. The growth rate of this oak is moderate. Its habit is fastigiate, well-branched, supported by sturdy branches reaching towards the sky. The short trunk is initially green and smooth, then becomes grey, thick, and deeply fissured. The foliage of this variety consists of large, thick, leathery leaves measuring 18 cm long and 10 cm wide. They are ovoid in shape with lobed edges. The upper surface is a shiny dark green, while the underside appears lighter due to the presence of hairs. In autumn, the foliage turns from yellow to orange-brown. The leaves remain attached to the branches for a few weeks before falling. The flowering of the 'Monument' oak occurs in April-May, shortly after the appearance of the foliage, on annual shoots. The male inflorescences are elongated, pendulous catkins tinged with yellow. They are produced on older branches. The root system of this tree is deep and powerful, with both a taproot and extensive lateral roots, ensuring a strong and durable anchorage in deep and compact soils.

The 'Monument' oak is a beautiful ornamental tree if you have sufficient space. It can be planted as a standalone tree at the edge of a large garden open to the countryside, in rows along a wide and long avenue, or in a large grove with other native species such as black elder, European spindle, or guelder rose. This tree also has the advantage of producing abundant leaf litter, which is beneficial for the growth of certain plants that germinate under its canopy. This oak can also find its place in a large green curtain, combined with hornbeams, beech trees, or hazelnut trees, for example. Its fruits provide food for small animals such as squirrels and jays.