Quercus rubra Wolfsdonk's Pride

Quercus rubra Wolfsdonk's Pride is a variety of variegated American red oak. It forms a semi-deciduous tree, smaller than the species with a rather slow growth. It reaches a height of about 8m at maturity, while the species measures at least 20m in height. Its large dark green leaves are splashed or speckled with white. Its juvenile foliage appears in spring tinged with crimson red and creamy white, gradually replaced by green and white, before turning bright red again in autumn. It is a unique tree with highly ornamental foliage. As a red oak, it is sensitive to the presence of limestone in the soil, so it should be planted in neutral to acidic soil. It tolerates urban pollution.

Quercus rubra belongs to the beech family. Originally from the eastern part of North America, it was introduced to Europe as early as 1724 to repopulate forests, as its record growth (between 20 and 30 metres in height at maturity) made it more attractive than European oak at that time. However, this botanical achievement should not distract us from its classic beauty. It has a symmetrical pyramidal habit, a straight trunk, a well-developed crown, and upright massive branches covered with large leaves measuring between 12 and 22 cm long. It also offers a unique chromatic spectacle that resonates with warm tones (vermilion: autumn foliage, reddish-brown: branch wood, acorns, and small female flowers in April-May) and muted tones (mouse grey bark).

Wolfsdonk's Pride is a superb variety with variegated foliage, small size, and slow growth. It reaches a height of 6 to 8m at maturity with a width of 6m, but can probably grow beyond that over time. Its large leaves, variegated with grey-green and speckled white, emerge in two tones of crimson red and creamy white, which they regain in autumn.

With great hardiness, at least down to -40°C, the American red oak Wolfsdonk's Pride thrives in all types of soil, even clay, as long as it is deep. It does not like limestone soil, but instead needs neutral to acidic soil. It is resistant to drought, but its variegated foliage should be protected from scorching exposure. It grows best sheltered from strong winds. Therefore, choose a wind-sheltered exposure and protect it from the sun's rays during the hottest hours of spring and summer. Plant this distinctive tree as a specimen or combine it with other deciduous trees (maple, ash, lime) and small flowering shrubs and perennials of a countryside understory. We recommend acid-loving shrubs and perennials such as Camellias, Chinese Azaleas, Pieris, Daphnes, Kalmias, Hydrangeas, Kirengeshoma palmata, or Foxgloves.