Content Detail

CRIMSON SPIRE™ oak is a hybrid between English oak and White oak. It was selected for a narrow form, only 15 feet wide, and good red fall color. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions.

  • Family (English) Beech
  • Family (botanic) Fagaceae
  • Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
  • Mature height >40 feet
  • Mature width 10-20 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Drought tolerance Tolerant
  • Other tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought
  • Season of interest mid fall, late fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Columnar
  • Growth rate Fast
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Planting considerations Messy fruit/plant parts
  • Wildlife Migrant birds, Small mammals
  • Has cultivars Yes

More Information

Size and Form

The columnar mature height is more than 40 feet and mature width is 10 to 20 feet.

Native Geographic Location and Habitat

This tree is of hybrid origin.

Bark Description

Bark is dark brown and furrowed.

Leaf Description

The dark green alternate, lobed leaves change to red in fall.

Flower Description

Flowers are not ornamentally important. Drooping, male catkins appear in April. Female flowers are inconspicuous tiny spikes in the axils of new leaves.

Fruit Description

The 1 inch long, elongated nut is enclosed with a warty cap which is about a quarter of the nut. Acorns ripen in fall and can be considered a litter problem, especially near sidewalks and patios.

Care Knowledge

Plant Care

CRIMSON SPIRE™ oak is more tolerant of wet sites than its white oak parent, but well-drained sites are best. It is tolerant to drought conditions. It is intolerant of salt.

Prune oaks in the dormant season to avoid attracting beetles that may carry oak wilt.  

Pests, Diseases and Tolerances

Oak wilt, anthracnose, two-lined chestnut borer are possible problems. It is resistant to powdery mildew.

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