Quercus robur Salicifolia - English oak

Quercus robur 'Salicifolia' is a rare form of the Pedunculate Oak, recognizable by its oval and elongated leaves resembling those of a willow. This tree has a relatively fast growth but maintains smaller dimensions compared to the large oaks in forests. This very hardy, elegant oak tree thrives in most soils as long as they are sufficiently moist, as it does not tolerate drought. It is a collector's tree that can be planted as a specimen or in a grove.

Quercus robur 'Salicifolia', like all oaks, belongs to the Fagaceae family. The Quercus genus is particularly inspiring for collectors, as it is rich in variety. There are approximately 240 named cultivars, such as 'Salicifolia', sometimes referred to as Quercus petraea var. salicifolia or Quercus robur 'Holophylla'.
This variety initially has a narrow crown that becomes broadly conical. Eventually, this oak tree reaches a height of about 9m with a spread of 4.5 to 5m. It bears dark green, non-lobed leaves, measuring 10cm in length and 2.5cm in width, with a blunt tip. Their autumn colour tends towards yellow. The bark of the young branches is initially a tender green, gradually darkening to become brown like the trunk bark. The relatively inconspicuous spring flowering produces acorns similar to those of the species.
This 'Salicifolia' Oak is extremely hardy, down to -23/-26°C. It is quite adaptable but requires a certain level of humidity and humus-bearing, fertile soil to thrive.

Quercus robur 'Salicifolia' will delight enthusiasts of rare trees. Ideally, it should be planted as a solitary specimen in an open location. Other trees of comparable size can accompany it. For example, the red maple (Acer rubrum) with its vibrant red autumn foliage, the flowering cherry tree (Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan') that offers a stunning pink spring bloom, the star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) covered in star-shaped white flowers in spring. Finally, the rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) completes the scene with its pinnate leaves and red berries in autumn, attracting a variety of birds and enriching the autumn palette. Together, these trees will create an attractive garden throughout the seasons, offering a mix of colours, textures, and fragrances.