Plants

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 × deamii

[Deam Oak]

The Deam Oak is a rare hybrid between the White Oak (Quercus alba) and the Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) that can be found in mature forests. Quercus x deamii was first discovered in Wells County, Indiana, about 4 miles outside the town of Bluffton in 1904 by Bruce Williamson, a zoologist, and his father. Not sure what they had found, they took the specimen to Charles C. Deam who later sent the sample to his…

Quercus ellipsoidalis

[Northern Pin Oak]

Quercus ellipsoidalis is very closely related to Q. palustris (Pin Oak), but is better suited for the Midwest. Very similar to the Pin Oak, the Northern Pin Oak is a handsome tree with distinctive and regular branching, spreading to horizontal to drooping, from top to bottom of the tree. This effect is partly lost when lower limbs must be removed for traffic underneath. While this species is still prone to chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) in…

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 lyrata

[Overcup Oak]

The Overcup Oak is a medium-sized oak with an oval crown and lower branches that sweep upward. This species thrives in lowlands and bottomlands and can tolerate extended flooding. The common name is derived from its acorn, which can be nearly 3/4 "cupped" by the cap. Acorns generally aren't produced until the tree is around 25-30 years old.

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.