Quercus robur Facrist - English oak

Quercus robur 'Facrist' is a form of Pedunculate Oak resulting from a spontaneous hybridisation between the 'Fastigiata' and 'Cristata' varieties. This tree develops the columnar habit of the 'Fastigiata' and the twisted leaves of the 'Cristata'. It forms a small, narrow tree, more suitable for many gardens than the species. Its crown becomes rounded with age, but maintains an elongated shape. The quite small leaves are highly variable, divided into 2 or more rounded lobes. They are twisted and curled. This variety can be planted alone, in groups, in rows or as a hedge, to create a windbreak. The Pedunculate Oak requires light to thrive, as well as a deep, slightly chalky, fertile and moist soil.

The Pedunculate Oak, also known as the Common Oak or English Oak, belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is native to a large part of temperate Europe. This venerable tree appreciates sub-oceanic to oceanic climates, or continental climates, without excessive heat and relatively humid. It is very common in plains and low-altitude hills. In its natural habitat, it can reach a height of 50m with a spread of 25 to 30m, while its trunk can measure up to 2m in diameter. With a fairly exceptional longevity, this oak can live up to 2000 years according to some estimates.

The 'Facrist' cultivar reaches a height of about 6 to 10m at maturity, with a spread of 2 to 3m. The growth of this oak is moderately fast. Its habit is fastigiate, well-branched, supported by robust branches that are rather upright. The short trunk is initially green and smooth, but becomes grey, thick, and deeply fissured. Over time, the crown takes on an elongated ovoid shape. The young branches are smooth and reddish-brown. The leaf, measuring between 3 and 7cm in length, is relatively small and has an obovate to ovoid shape. Densely clustered along the branches, they show great variability. Many leaves are divided into two unequal parts along the main vein down to the petiole. Other leaves are divided into three or several small leaflets. The margins of the leaf are coarsely lobed with rounded lobes. Additionally, the leaves are twisted and curled. They are dark green in summer, turning yellow and then brown, quite late in autumn, and remain attached to the branches for a few weeks before falling. The flowering of this Fastigiata oak takes place in April-May, shortly after the appearance of the foliage, on the annual shoots. The female flowers are placed in a cupule carried by a long peduncle: this distinctive characteristic is the origin of the species name, pedunculata. The male inflorescences are elongated, pendulous catkins, tinged with yellow. They are produced on older branches. The female flowers are followed by ovoid and elongated acorns, measuring 1.5 to 3cm in length. They are often grouped in pairs or threes and attached to a long peduncle. A cupule covered with scales covers one-third of the acorn. The colour changes from green to brown at maturity, in September and October. The root system of this tree is deep and powerful, with both a taproot and extensive spreading roots, ensuring a solid and long-lasting anchorage in deep and compact soils.

The 'Facrist' oak is a beautiful ornamental tree that can fit into many gardens, as it remains small and has a narrow habit. It can be planted alone at the edge of a garden open to the countryside, in rows along a large avenue, or in a large grove with other native species. This tree also pruduces abundant leaf litter, which is beneficial for the growth of certain plants that germinate under its canopy. This oak can also find a place in a dense hedge, combined with hornbeams, beeches, or even hazelnuts, for example. Its acorns provide food for small animals such as squirrels and jays.