Chinese cork oak
Quercus variabilis
USDA zones5 to 7
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size75 to 90 feet tall60 to 75 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Yellow-green
- Foliage color
- Green, white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Chinese cork oak (Quercus variabilis) is a tree for specimen planting, shade gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Yellow-green flowers open in early to late spring and draw butterflies and bees. It sits low on the menu for deer. The tree grows slowly and tolerates drought.
Pairs well with Serviceberry, Feather reed grass, and Viburnum.
Native range
China, Japan, and Korea.