Quercus dentata aka Daimyo Oak

Quercus dentata is a deciduous oak in the Fagaceae family. Its names include Daimyo oak, Japanese emperor oak, and Korean oak. It comes from temperate East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. Its range also reaches Mongolia and the Russian Far East. It grows on sunny slopes, in thickets, and in mixed forests. Garden trees reach about 40–60 feet [12–18.3 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 30–50 feet [9.1–15.2 metres]. RHS describes trees around 49 feet [15 metres] tall. Growth is slow, with an open, rounded, spreading crown.

The light brown bark grows thick, corky, and deeply furrowed. Young twigs are grey, while older stems are brown and hairy. The large, leathery leaves give the tree a coarse texture. They reach about 1 foot [0.3 metres] long. Leaves grow alternately and widen toward their tips. Their edges have shallow lobes, and their bases have ear-like projections. Fine hairs cover the leaf undersides and short stalks. Autumn leaves turn yellow or orange, then brown. Many stay on the tree through winter until new leaves emerge.

Chicago records flowering periods from March through June. Male flowers form long, hanging catkins. Small female flowers grow at the tips of new shoots. Brown acorns form in stalkless clusters and ripen in autumn. Hairy cups cover roughly one-third to half of each nut. Long, curved scales give the cups a shaggy look. Birds and mammals eat the acorns. The tree also gives wildlife shelter and supports butterfly and moth larvae.

Plant it in full sun, though Chicago also lists partial shade. It prefers moist, acidic loam with good drainage. RHS accepts clay, sand, chalk, and other soil pH levels. The soil should hold moisture without staying waterlogged. Established trees can withstand drought. Sources list USDA zones 4–8, while RHS assigns H5. Its size suits parks and large gardens as a shade tree. Sow fresh seed after it falls, or take autumn hardwood cuttings.

Pests include aphids, scales, leaf miners, caterpillars, and gall wasps. Oak wilt, leaf spots, cankers, mildew, and honey fungus may occur. NC State says pest damage seldom causes major harm. Raw acorns pose a poisoning risk and may block the gut. Dogs and horses are also at risk. Cooked seeds are edible only after removing their bitter tannins. Ground seeds can thicken stews or supplement bread flour. Bark and insect galls supply tannin; galls also have reported medicinal uses.