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Description
Quercus Acutissima, also known as sawtooth oak or shirakashi oak, is a deciduous tree native to eastern Asia. It belongs to the Fagaceae family and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and wood. The tree can reach a height of up to 20-25 meters and has a rounded crown with spreading branches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
The leaves of the Quercus Acutissima are glossy, dark green, and deeply lobed with serrated edges, giving them a sawtooth appearance. They can grow up to 12-22 cm long and 7-18 cm wide. The bark is grayish-brown and rough with deep fissures. The tree produces acorns that are 2-3 cm long and 1-2 cm wide, with a cup-shaped cap that covers about 1/3 of the acorn.
Care Guide
Quercus Acutissima prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth appears. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Quercus Acutissima is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to oak wilt, a fungal disease that can kill the tree. Symptoms include wilting leaves, discoloration, and death of branches. Other common pests include oak lace bugs, oak skeletonizers, and oak leaf miners.
Habitat
Quercus Acutissima is native to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, hillsides, and riverbanks. The tree has been widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including North America and Europe, as an ornamental tree and for its wood.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Quercus Acutissima a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, Quercus Acutissima is a moderately fast-growing tree, with an average growth rate of 1-2 feet per year.
Q: Can Quercus Acutissima tolerate drought?
A: No, Quercus Acutissima prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. It cannot tolerate drought conditions.
Q: When is the best time to prune Quercus Acutissima?
A: The best time to prune Quercus Acutissima is during the dormant season, in late fall or early winter.
Q: Is Quercus Acutissima an evergreen tree?
A: No, Quercus Acutissima is a deciduous tree that loses its leaves in the fall.
Related Plants
- Quercus Alba
- Quercus Rubra
- Quercus Palustris
- Quercus Cerris
References
- “Quercus acutissima.” Missouri Botanical Garden. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282741.
- “Sawtooth Oak.” The Morton Arboretum. www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/sawtooth-oak.
- “Quercus acutissima.” Plant Information Online. plantinfo.umn.edu/node/1401575.
