downy oak
Quercus pubescens
USDA zones5 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size40 to 60 feet tall20 to 40 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow green (male) reddish (female)
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Downy oak (Quercus pubescens) is a tree for specimen planting, low maintenance landscapes, and shade. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average soil of most types. It is drought tolerant once settled in. The male flowers are yellow green and the female flowers are reddish. Fall color adds interest late in the year.
Pairs well with Lemon thyme, Sea holly, Feather reed grass, and Viburnum.
Native range
Southern Europe and Asia.