Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: sawtooth oak

Family: Fagaceae

Distribution: Japan, Korea, China

Habitat: Forested areas near rivers or wetlands

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Hardiness: Zone 6a -10 to -5 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental shade tree

Comments: Sawtooth oak is a medium sized deciduous tree, typically to 40’-60’ tall, with a broad spreading, rounded crown. Insignificant monoecious yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring as the leaves emerge. Fruits are oval acorns to 1” long, with spiny, scaly cups that extend to approximately 2/3 the acorn length. Oblong to lance-shaped, chestnut-like, glossy-dark green leaves to 7” long have bristle-tipped marginal teeth at the terminal point of each parallel vein. Fall color is variable, ranging from an attractive golden brown to undistinguished pale brown. Gray to black bark develops corky ridging with age.
Best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Tolerant of heat and humidity. Acorn crops can be quite abundant and are an important source of food for wildlife.