Quercus rubra Haaren - Red Oak

Quercus rubra 'Haaren' is a rare variety of American red oak, appreciated for its dwarf and sculptural habit. This slow-growing,  small semi-deciduous tree, with its neat architecture, is easy to use in small gardens where it can fit into more contemporary design concepts. The highly evolving colouration of its large leaves, initially tender green in spring turning to shiny dark green in summer and becoming reddish-orange in autumn, greatly contributes to the animation of the garden. This variety prefers a semi-shaded or sunny but not too hot exposure. It is a very hardy, original tree that thrives in humus-bearing,moistsoil, neutral to acidic and non-calcareous. Its positioning in the garden requires choosing a location from which it can be observed and admired, to take on the role of a beautiful specimen, low-maintenance and attractive all year round.

Quercus rubra or borealis, commonly known as American red oak, is a tree of the beech family, just like beech and chestnut. This large tree, native to eastern North America, is particularly widespread in the state of New Jersey in the United States and the province of Prince Edward Island in Canada. In 1724, it was introduced to Europe where it was planted to repopulate forests. Its record growth, between 20 and 30 metres in height at maturity (20 to 30 years), made it more attractive than European oak at that time. However, this botanical use should not distract us from its classic beauty. It has a symmetrical pyramidal habit, a straight trunk, a well-developed crown, and upright massive branches that are covered with large leaves measuring between 12 and 22 cm in length. They turn red in autumn and then brown, persisting on the tree for part of the winter (marcescent foliage). With rapid growth, the branches can extend by one metre per year during the first ten years. Some specimens can reach 50 metres in height and have a lifespan exceeding 250 years.

The cultivar 'Haaren' is a natural mutation originating from the former municipality of Haaren in the North Brabant province of the Netherlands. It distinguishes itself from the species by its small size and rounded habit. At maturity, it can reach a height of 2 to 3 metres with a spread of 1.5 to 2 metres and its foliage takes on a rounded and compact shape. It branches out on one or several trunks covered with greyish bark, smooth when young, then scaly with age. The leaves, bordered by 3 to 5 pointed or rounded lobes on each side, are dark green on the upper side and light green on the underside, measuring from 15 to 25 cm in length. They then turn orange to bright red in autumn. In late autumn, they turn brown and persist on the branches until winter. This American oak develops almost insignificant flowers in early spring (April-May), on the current year's young branches, which are followed by decorative brown-red acorns. Few in number, these hemispherical acorns about 2 cm in diameter, mature in the second year. They are held by a scaly cup and develop on short stalks.

The Haaren American Oak is an elegant and graceful small tree that brings a touch of originality and refinement to your space. It is a hardy oak tree resistant to winter cold, capable of withstanding temperatures down to -25°C. Its incredible hardiness makes it one of the best substitutes for Japanese maple during very harsh winters or overly wet conditions. It grows slowly and prefers fertile and moderately moist soil. Alkaline limestone soils are not suitable for this tree species. A sunny exposure is preferable, but it also appreciates slightly shaded areas. It can be planted alone, as a focal point to admire its stature, or in combination with other shrubs with foliage or flowers, such as dogwoods, spiraeas with beautiful autumn colours, ground cover roses, dwarf buddleias, or small silver-leaved willows. When grown in a large pot, it can bring life to a terrace or patio with Japanese maples for example. Tolerating pruning well, its architectural habit is suitable for bonsai training.