Common Name:

Sawtooth Oak

Scientific Name:

Quercus acutissima

Family Name:

Fagaceae

Description:

Sawtooth Oak is a medium to large deciduous shade tree from Asia. Dead leaves are retained into late fall or early winter, particularly on juvenile plants. Summer foliage is a dark glossy green and growth is rapid for an oak. The seed propagated cultivar 'Gobbler' is a prolific acorn producer used for mast production. This species is increasing in popularity in the nursery trade.

Plant Habit or Use:

Medium tree, large tree

Exposure:

sun

Flower Color:

Green to yellow green, females inconspicuous, males in catkins

Blooming Period:

Spring

Fruit Characteristics:

Small 0.5 to 1.0 in acorn enclosed two-thirds in a cap with recurved scales

Height:

35 ft to 45 ft (60 ft)

Width:

25 ft to 45 ft

Firewise Index

8.00

Explanation of the Firewise Index numerical value

USDA Hardiness Zones:

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Regions that intersect these hardiness zones:
Region A - Panhandle and High Plains• Region B - North and Central Texas• Region C - Northeast and East Texas• Region D - West Texas• Region E - Upper Rio Grande• Region F - Hill Country and Central Coast• Region G - Southeast Texas• Region H - Rio Grande Valley

Click image for enlarged map of USDA Hardiness Zones

Additional Comments:

Marginal in USDA zone 5. Trees are floopy growers in youth requiring training to acheive a good tree form. Prone to iron chlorosis on neutral to alkaline soils. Rapid grower for an oak.

A Special Note about Cool Season Annuals

Cool season annuals typically are planted in the fall or early winter and flower in early spring under moderate temperatures. This group of plant materials includes: pansies, snapdragons, violas, dianthus, flowering cabbage/kale, etc. Because cool season annuals flower in the spring when conditions are mild, most have limited heat tolerance.

As a result cool season annuals do not receive a high Earth–Kind® index despite their outstanding landscape qualities.