Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®)
Quercus alba x robur
Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) (Quercus alba x robur) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 12–18 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Columnar forms.
Photos
(c) Branson Khounvichith, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Branson Khounvichith
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–50 ft tall and 12–18 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~18 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Bronze, red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) get?
- It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 12–18 ft wide.
- How much room does Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) need?
- Give Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) about 18 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) grow into?
- Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) hardy on the Front Range?
- Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) grow?
- Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) live?
- Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) turn in fall?
- Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) deer-resistant?
- No. Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Oak (CRIMSON SPIRE®) has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
