HERITAGE® Oak
Quercus robur x macrocarpa
HERITAGE® Oak (Quercus robur x macrocarpa) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–60 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Most resistant to galls; vigorous growth.
Photos
"2013.10.16_15.46.52_DSCN0246a" by AndreyZharkikh is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
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
- 50–60 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 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 HERITAGE® Oak good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, HERITAGE® Oak is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does HERITAGE® Oak get?
- It matures to about 50–60 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide.
- How much room does HERITAGE® Oak need?
- Give HERITAGE® Oak about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does HERITAGE® Oak grow into?
- HERITAGE® Oak 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 HERITAGE® Oak hardy on the Front Range?
- HERITAGE® Oak 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 HERITAGE® Oak need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does HERITAGE® Oak grow?
- HERITAGE® Oak is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does HERITAGE® Oak live?
- HERITAGE® Oak is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does HERITAGE® Oak turn in fall?
- HERITAGE® Oak turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is HERITAGE® Oak native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is HERITAGE® Oak deer-resistant?
- No. HERITAGE® Oak is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is HERITAGE® Oak prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- HERITAGE® Oak 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.
