Quercus rubra Boltes Gold - Red Oak

Quercus rubra 'Boltes Gold', also known as the Golden American Red Oak, is a rare variety appreciated for its colourful foliage and moderate growth. With a relatively fast growth rate, this semi-deciduous tree typically reaches a height of 10 to 12 metres, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens with its ornamental value. The ever-changing colour of its foliage, starting with yellow in spring, turning to light green in summer, and finally becoming reddish-orange in autumn, easily adds vibrancy to any garden. This variety thrives in sunny locations, which enhances its golden colour. Tolerant to urban pollution and very hardy, it is an original tree that flourishes in humus-bearing and moist, neutral to acidic, non-calcareous soils. When planted in a suitable location, it becomes an attractive and low-maintenance specimen all year round.

Quercus rubra or borealis, commonly known as the American Red Oak, is a tree belonging to the Fagaceae family, just like the beech and chestnut trees. This large tree, native to the eastern part of North America, is particularly widespread in the state of New Jersey in the United States and the Prince Edward Island province in Canada. It was introduced to Europe in 1724 for reforestation purposes, as its rapid growth, reaching a height of 20 to 30 metres at maturity (within 20 to 30 years), made it more attractive than European oaks at the time. However, this botanical use should not distract us from its classic beauty. It has a symmetrical pyramidal habit, a straight trunk, a well-developed canopy, and upright massive branches covered with large leaves measuring between 12 and 22 cm in length. The leaves turn red in autumn and then brown, persisting on the tree throughout part of the winter (marcescent foliage). The branches can grow up to one metre per year during the first ten years. Some specimens can reach 50 metres in height and have a lifespan of over 250 years.

The 'Boltes Gold' cultivar distinguishes itself from the species by its more moderate development and its yellow-golden foliage in spring. At maturity, it can reach a height of 8 to 12 metres with a spread of 7 to 9 metres, and its canopy takes on a rounded and spreading shape. The very straight trunk is covered with smooth greyish bark. The branches divide into numerous small reddish-brown twigs. In early spring, the buds initially reveal young orange-coloured fuzzy leaves. The leaves, with 4 or 5 angular lobes can be more or less spiny and turn golden yellow in spring and then light green in summer. They eventually take on shades of orange to bright red in autumn. In late autumn, they turn brown and persist on the twigs throughout winter. This American oak produces early flowers in early spring (April-May) on the current year's young twigs, which then give rise to decorative brown-red acorns. These acorns, about 2 cm in diameter, mature in the second year. They are held by a scaly cup and develop on short stalks.

The 'Boltes Gold' American Red Oak is a medium-sized tree with an elegant habit that grows in a balanced manner. Thanks to its foliage, which changes colour over time, it brings a unique touch to any space. It is a robust tree that can withstand winter cold, tolerating temperatures as low as -25°C. It grows faster in fertile and moderately moist soil. Alkaline limestone soils are not suitable for this tree species. It can be planted alone as a specimen tree to admire its stature or in groups to create a grove with filtered shade. It is recommended for large gardens, parks, streets, squares, and large lawns in urban areas. Why not accompany the 'Boltes Gold' American Red Oak with trees that have similar requirements, such as maples, beeches, ashes, lindens, or even sophoras, to bring diversity in form, colour, and architecture to a large space. Ground-cover plants suitable for shaded conditions and slightly moist soils, such as Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), Algerian Ivy (Hedera algeriensis Algerian Bellecour), Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major), or Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), can be planted at its base. Due to its good tolerance to pruning, it is also suitable for bonsai training.