Quercus frainetto Bush

Origin: South East Europe. Superb deciduous oak tree which grows naturally in the mountainous regions of the Balkans, up to 1.000 meters. It usually has rather a low trunk covered in a grey bark which splits over the years making an attractive mosaic design. The ovoidal crown is broad and round, very thick but more transparent than Q. robur. Very beautiful and unusual because of the large leaves (up to 20cm long, 12cm wide), with deep, regular lobes, very glossy green. Flowers: golden catkins, 7-10cm long, in May. Fruit: ovoidal acorns, 1-2cm, grouped in 2-5. Requires fertile, preferably chalky soil. Hardy, very resistant to the wind.