ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, September 12, 1996 TAG: 9609130051
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Hoein' & Growin
SOURCE: DIANE RELF
The columnar English oak, Quercus robur "Fastigiata," has an upright growth habit. It offers the landscape qualities of an English oak, but requires less space. It is not a small tree (40 to 50 feet in height), but its growth is mostly vertical, with a spread of only about 10 feet. The shape of the columnar English oak is rather reminiscent of a massive candle flame with a rounded tip.
Leaves are deep green, almost bluish, with the classic, oak-leaf shape and rounded lobes. The dried leaves usually persist on the tree all winter and are shed in the spring as buds expand into new growth. The acorns of the columnar English oak are an attractive glossy brown and are much longer and showier than the acorns of other oaks.
Columnar English oak is hardy throughout the Southeast from the coast to the mountains. It grows best in well-drained soils, but tolerates heavy clay. Most oaks require acid conditions to prevent chlorosis (a condition induced by iron deficiency), but this oak is tolerant of a much wider range of pH levels. Full sun is important for healthy growth. Columnar English oak is susceptible to powdery mildew and should be grown in areas with maximum air flow.
Columnar English oak can be propagated by several different methods. It will reproduce relatively true from seed. Acorns are collected in the fall. Once sown, they germinate readily because they have no dormancy or other preconditioning requirements.
Columnar English oak is useful for modern landscapes requiring a tall tree, where there is more vertical space than ground area. If planted 5 to 8 feet apart in a row, they also make a useful, large, screening hedge.
LENGTH: Short : 38 linesby CNB