Quercus robur Pectinata - English oak

Quercus robur 'Pectinata' is a form of Pedunculate Oak with original foliage. The linear leaves are deeply cut, with small elongated and thin lobes, giving a light appearance to this very interesting selection. They turn a dark yellow-brown in autumn. The tree is of medium size, with a rounded, semi-open crown. It thrives in sunlight, but not in drought, and prefers rich, humus-bearing, moist soils. Resistant to cold and urban pollution, it is a good choice for medium to large gardens.

The Oak is a member of the Fagaceae family, like the Beech and the Chestnut. It has approximately 600 species worldwide, both deciduous and evergreen, mainly in the northern hemisphere, in arid, temperate, or humid tropical climates. The Quercus genus particularly inspires collectors, as has many forms, such as the Chestnut-leaved Oak... There are approximately 240 named cultivars, such as 'Pectinata'.

The Pedunculate Oak 'Pectinata' was obtained in Germany in 1864. It grows relatively slowly and reaches a height of about 10 to 15m at maturity. The young branches have a reddish-brown colour that contrasts pleasantly with the dark grey bark, and especially with the mature dark green leaves. The leaves are alternate, linear, deeply cut, with small elongated lobes. The lobes are straight and clearly directed forward. While the lower surface is a matte green, the upper surface is slightly glossy dark green, with a lighter central vein visible in each lobe.

The 'Pectinata' Oak is quite accommodating in terms of growing conditions, tolerating moderately acidic to limestone soils without excess. Its main requirement is moisture, as it does not tolerate drought. A moist, humus-bearing soil and a sunny exposure are ideal for it. In drying sandy soil, its size will be reduced and its growth affected. Hardy to approximately -23°C, it will grow in continental and oceanic zones.

Quercus robur 'Pectinata' has very attractive foliage that lightens the overall silhouette of this tree, which is smaller than the species. It is perfect for planting as a specimen in a medium-sized urban garden, as it is resistant to urban pollution. You can plant a variety of Heucheras at its base, charming perennials that come in almost all existing plant colours, green, grey, orange, purple, pink. It cn also be planted in avenues, in a very large garden. It also provides pleasant shade, which will let light through in winter. Its acorns, sometimes produced in abundance, feed small animals such as squirrels and jays. It can be associated, for example, with maples, plane trees, hackberries (hardy even in the north), lindens, and sophora in a large park.