Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Quercus acutissima

The Sawtooth Oak tree is a medium sized deciduous tree. The growth habit is open and airy with a wide spreading, rounded crown. It grows to a height of 40-60 feet tall with a spread of 40-60 feet.

This tree originates in Asia – Japan, Korea, and China. It was introduced as an ornamental tree in 1862. Recently, it has gained popularity as a street tree, as well as for use of its acorns as a food source for game birds such as turkeys. Wildlife are also attracted to the fruit.

The Sawtooth Oak has gray or black bark with corky ridges that develop. Its flowers appear in early spring as separate male and female greenish yellow catkins that are pollinated by the wind. The fruits are acorns that are oval and grow up to 1 inch in size. The scaly cups they sit in are attractive and elaborate. The acorn crop can be quite abundant.

The large, bright green leaves are lance or oblong shaped with a very glossy surface and coarsely serrated edges. The fall color can be an attractive golden brown.

This tree should be grown in acidic soil. It can develop severe chlorosis of the leaves when grown in alkaline or neutral soil. However, it can adapt to a variety of soil types. It is also drought tolerant, making it an effective street tree. In general, the Sawtooth Oak tree is low maintenance with good resistance to pests.