Quercus palustris Betty Jean - Pin Oak

Quercus palustris 'Betty Jean', also known as swamp oak, is a magnificent tree that can reach a height of 15 to 25 metres (49 to 82 feet). It is particularly appreciated for its decorative foliage and elegant silhouette. Contrary to its name, it does not thrive in heavy, limestone, clayey, and compact soils. It prefers deep, acidic, and moist soils. Its deciduous foliage is spectacular, with deeply lobed leaves, a beautiful bright green colour in summer, and shades of scarlet red in autumn. Due to its relatively fast growth and imposing habit, this tree is perfectly suited for large gardens.

Quercus palustris, commonly known as swamp oak, is a tree of the Fagaceae family, just like beech and chestnut. This large tree, native to the eastern and central United States, is found in certain parts of Tennessee and Virginia to the Great Lakes region in Canada. It has also been introduced to colder regions of southern Australia. In 1770, it was introduced to Europe where it is planted in parks for ornamental purposes because of the beauty of its autumn foliage.

The 'Betty Jean' cultivar was selected in 2007 by Ryan Russell in the United States, in the state of Missouri, at the University of Missouri Columbia. In 2010, the mother tree was about 50 years old and measured approximately 22 metres (72 feet) in height and 20 metres (66 feet) in width. Ryan Russell was intrigued by the unusual shape of the leaves and their autumn colours, which led him to retain this distinct natural selection from the typical species. Quercus palustris 'Betty Jean' can reach a height of 20 to 25 metres (66 to 82 feet) with a spread of 15 to 20 metres (49 to 66 feet) and its crown takes on a conical shape. The trunk, very straight, is covered with a smooth greyish bark. Its branches branch out into many small thin twigs, which can be more or less thorny, earning it the name of Pin Oak. The upper branches spread horizontally in the crown. The lower branches hang down in a picturesque way, giving the tree a particularly elegant shape. The deciduous leaves, deeply cut into 5 to 7 lobes, measure from 7 to 11cm (3 to 4in) in length. Lustrous green in the heart of summer, they take on magnificent autumnal hues. The discolouration of the swamp oak leaves occurs in an ascending manner. For a certain period, the upper parts of the crown can turn a bright red colour, while the leaves of the lower branches remain completely green. In late autumn, they turn brown and persist on the twigs until winter. The swamp oak develops early flowers in early spring, which then give rise to small, highly decorative acorns. These acorns, hemispherical in shape and up to 2cm (1in) in diameter, mature in the second year. They are surrounded by a cup and develop on short stalks. The swamp oak has a taproot, although its root system is not very deep. In a garden, it can have a lifespan of 90 to 120 years.

The Swamp Oak 'Betty Jean' is a tall tree that grows freely. Thanks to its elegant appearance and colourful foliage, it adds an original touch to your space. It is a hardy tree that withstands winter cold, able to withstand temperatures down to -25°C (-13°F). It tolerates wet soils better than other trees, but it can adapt to almost any soil with a tendency towards acidity, even those that are very dry. It can be planted alone or in groups for filtered shade or to add colour to the garden. It is recommended for large gardens, parks, streets, squares, and large lawns. Why not accompany the Swamp Oak 'Betty Jean' with Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua), the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum), the Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra), the Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), or the Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) which have similar requirements. Ground cover or shade-tolerant plants suitable for slightly moist soils can also be planted at its base, such as: Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), Algerian Ivy (Hedera algeriensis Algerian Bellecour), Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major), or Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina).