Plants

Quercus acutissima

[Sawtooth Oak]

Transplants easily. May develop chlorosis on high pH soils.

Quercus alba

[White Oak]

One of the most majestic trees at maturity with a picturesque framework, but requires many years to reach maturity. Long-lived, the kind of tree to use where it can be appreciated by succeeding generations. Slow growth eliminates it as a tree for quick effect. Roots are highly sensitive to disturbance, even foot traffic. Almost impossible to transplant from the wild. Often difficult to find in nurseries due to slow growth and recalcitrance to propagation by…

Quercus bicolor

[Swamp White Oak]

The Swamp White Oak is a sturdy, long-lived tree that is generally tolerant to average conditions and even wet soil, but requires full sun and acidic soil.

Quercus coccinea

[Scarlet Oak]

Excellent scarlet fall foliage, comparable if not often better than the Pin Oak. Does not suffer iron chlorosis as bad as Pin Oak, being more tolerant of alkaline soils. Some report difficulty in transplanting.

Quercus × 'Crimschmidt' [sold as Crimson Spire™]

[Crimson Spire Oak]

The Crimson Spire Oak is notable for its powdery mildew resistance and reddish fall color that it gained from its White Oak parent, in addition to the dense, strong, vertical, columnar form, and tolerance to drought and urban conditions gained from its Fastigiate English Oak parent.

Quercus falcata

[Southern Red Oak]

Generally hardy only to zone 6, this oak is native to the southeastern United States, including the southern tip of Indiana, but can sometimes be grown in colder climates. This tree gained its specific epithet name, "falcata", from the sickle-like weapon of the same name, in reference to the sickle-shaped lobes of the leaves. Root disturbance is known to affect this species severely and can lead to decline or death.

Quercus imbricaria

[Shingle Oak]

Somewhat tolerant of city conditions. Can be pruned into a hedge. Leaves persist into winter after the normal leaf-raking period and then fall. Oak gall is susceptible, but it is a minor problem. Unlike its relatives, the shingle oak's leaves do not feature any lobes and have a complete margin.

Quercus × macdanielii 'Clemons' [Sold as Heritage® Oak]

[Heritage Oak]

Quercus macrocarpa

[Bur Oak]

More tolerant of city conditions than most oaks. Perhaps too large for a typical residential landscape when mature.

Quercus montana

[Chestnut Oak]

Naturally grows in rocky places and poor, dry sites. Dislikes poor drainage. Bark has the highest tannin content of any Quercus species.