Quercus rysophylla

Loquat Leaf Oak – A jaw-dropping large Mexican oak with highly textured leaves resembling an ornamental Loquat. Acorns of this oak were collected by John Fairey and his collegues in 1989 and 2005 in the Sierra Madre mountains, and the mature trees that grew as a result of those collections are still standing proudly in our Garden (although the national champion lives at Stephen F. Austin University under the tender care of Dr. David Creech). At maturity, these wonderful oaks can grow up to 60 feet and are exceptionally cold hardy and drought resistant. The mature form is very upright, and the canopy forms an attractive dense oval, making it perfect for smaller yards with limited canopy space. Plant in full sun and in very well draining-soil. Although it is drought tolerant once established, it will need to be watered for its first two summers.