Quercus robur Strypemonde - English oak

Quercus robur 'Strypemonde' is an unusual and astonishing variety of pedunculate oak. It stands out for its fanciful, twisted, very long, pendulous leaves with fringed edges. Its irregular pigmentation appears on the leaf in the form of bands or cream-white streaks. This small oak grows quite slowly and maintains modest dimensions, which allows for a better appreciation of the tree's leaves. Planting it in an isolated, sunny location is ideal, to allow for lush growth and the opportunity to admire this unusual oak up close.

The Oak tree is a member of the Fagaceae family, like the Beech and the Chestnut. It has approximately 600 species worldwide, both deciduous and evergreen, mainly in the northern hemisphere, in arid, temperate, or humid tropical climates. The Quercus genus particularly inspires collectors, as it is rich in diversity, like the Chestnut-leaved Oak... There are estimated to be around 240 named cultivars, such as Strypemonde.

This variety, cherished by collectors and rare in cultivation, reaches a height of 6 to 10 metres with a width of 6 metres. Its silhouette is essentially the same as that of the Oak tree found in the countryside, it is primarily the foliage that sets it apart. It bears large, very long, relatively narrow leaves, with rounded lobes on each side, of irregular size. When they emerge, the leaves are speckled with yellow, then as they age, they become tougher and the yellow turns to cream, then white. The young leaves are the most colourful, as they age, the proportion of green becomes predominant over the white. Due to their size, the leaves carried by short petioles hang downward. The bark of young branches is a tender green, somewhat yellow, and gradually darkens to become brownish like the trunk bark. The rather insignificant flowering in spring produces the same acorns as the species.
This Oak tree needs a sunny exposure for a more complete crown development and better coloration of the white spots on the leaves. It is rather accommodating regarding soil pH, accepting moderately chalky to slightly acidic soils. However, it needs a certain amount of humidity and a humus-bearing, fertile soil to thrive.

Quercus robur 'Strypemonde' is best appreciated when planted in isolation to fully appreciate its uniqueness, in highly exposed areas or along pathways. It will delight lovers of bizarre foliage. It can be planted in front of a backdrop of dark green vegetation, such as conifers, to better enjoy its beautiful mottled variegation. Highly aesthetic, it can be planted as a standalone specimen in the middle of a lawn.