Quercus robur Cucullata - - Sessile Oak

Quercus robur 'Cucullata' is a very rare form of the Pedunculate Oak, sometimes found in public gardens and collections. While the tree is similar to the species in terms of its development, rounded crown, and growth, it is the foliage that sets it apart. The leaves, which are quite long and soft, are spoon-shaped with contracted edges, producing a convex upper surface. The tree takes on a beautiful autumn colour with golden yellow foliage. It will be superb as a standalone specimen, in a mass planting, as an avenue, or as a hedge to create a windbreak. Perfectly suited to average climates, the Pedunculate Oak requires light, deep, slightly chalky, fertile, and moist soil to thrive.

The Pedunculate Oak, also known as the Cluster Oak depending on the region, belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is native to a large part of temperate Europe. This venerable tree appreciates sub-oceanic to oceanic climates, or continental climates that are not excessively dry and relatively humid. It is widespread in plains and low-altitude hills. In its natural environment, it can reach a height of 50m with a spread of 25 to 30m, while its trunk can measure up to 2m in diameter. With a rather exceptional longevity, this oak can live up to 2000 years according to some estimates.

The 'Cucullata' cultivar was selected in Germany in 1864. This tree reaches an average height of 25m with a spread of 18m. The growth rate of this oak is moderately fast. Its habit is large, slightly less wide than tall. The quite short trunk is covered with initially green and smooth bark, which then becomes dark, thick, and deeply fissured. The crown is irregular, oval, rounded, and open. Its young branches are smooth, grey-brown, and shiny. The late deciduous foliage consists of alternate, soft, fairly long leaves that are spoon-shaped and not deeply incised, attached at the narrow end. The colour of the leaves is a medium to dark matte green on the upper surface, with the underside being paler. The leaves turn golden yellow to orange, quite late in autumn, and remain attached to the branches before falling. The flowering of this oak occurs in April-May, shortly after the appearance of the foliage, on annual shoots. The female flowers are in a cupule carried by a long peduncle: this distinctive characteristic is the origin of the species name "pedunculata". The male inflorescences are elongated, pendulous catkins tinged with yellow. They are produced on older branches. The female flowers give way to ovoid and elongated acorns, measuring 1.5 to 3 cm in length. They are often grouped in pairs or threes and attached to a long peduncle. A cupule covered with scales covers one-third of the acorn. The colour changes from green to brown at maturity, in September and October. The root system of this tree is deep and powerful, with both taproot and extensive spreading roots, providing a solid and long-lasting grip in deep and compact soils.

The 'Cucullata' oak is a very beautiful ornamental tree if you have sufficient space. It can be planted as a standalone specimen at the edge of a large garden open to the countryside, or in alignment along a wide and large avenue. This tree also produces abundant leaf litter, which is beneficial for the growth of certain plants that germinate under its canopy. Its acorns feed small animals such as squirrels and jays. It is a tree that should be protected and preserved if it is already present in a park or large garden, simply for the symbolism surrounding an aged subject, a true keystone of an old garden. It also provides pleasant shade, which allows light in winter. For example, it can be associated with maples, plane trees, hackberries (hardy even in the north), lindens, and sophoras in a large park.