General Culture:

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Good drought tolerance.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Maple-leaf oak is a rare species that is only known to grow in the wild in a few upland forest areas in the Ouachita mountains of west central Arkansas. Common name and species name (acer = maple and folia = leaf) are both in reference to the resemblance of the leaves of this oak to those of the sugar maple (Acer saccharum). Maple-leaf oak was first described in 1926 by Palmer and was given the name of Quercus shumardii var. acerifolia. Recent efforts by Stoynoff and Hess have resulted in the elevation of this plant to full species status (in large part due to differences in leaf and acorn morphology). It is a medium-sized deciduous tree of the red oak group. In the wild, it appears in both multi-stemmed shrub and single trunk tree versions typically reaching no more than 50' in height at maturity. Insignificant yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in early spring as the leaves emerge. Fruits are oval acorns (to 3/4" long) which are about 40% smaller than the acorns of Quercus shumardii. Broad, dark green, sugar maple-like leaves (2.5-5.5" long and 4-6" wide) are deeply cut into 5-7 spiny-tipped lobes. Grayish bark is smooth in early years, but acquires dark ridging on the trunk with age. Leaves generally produce good red fall color.

Problems:

Although susceptible to a large number of potential insect and disease pests, this tree is generally considered to be durable and long-lived with no significant problems.

Uses:

Shade tree or lawn tree. This rare species deserves a prominent location in the landscape. May be difficult to find in commerce.

© Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2010