Quercus robur x bicolor ‘Long’ P.P. 12673
As much as we all want tree canopy spread in our cities, trees with columnar form tend to fit more easily in many of our urban spaces. Another new selection with this attribute is the Regal Prince® Oak tree. This is yet another alternative to the common red maples, green ash and sweetgum trees that are on every other landscape plan.
Regal Prince® Oak is tidy, formal and dense with a strong upright crown growth and dominant central leader. Ultimate height is up to 45’ tall by approximately 20 feet wide. Leaves are bright green and shiny on top and silvery gray underneath, narrower at the base. They have rounded lobes with a clean fresh appearance through the summer. Narrow acorns turn lime green and can be quite attractive. Leaves and acorns eventually turn brown and can hang on through the winter.
This tree is reported to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including both wet and dry soils. The Delaware Center for Horticulture also says this tree is drought tolerant and not significantly impacted by road salts and soil compaction, and said to be very urban tolerant. Hardiness zone is 4 to 8. Regal Prince® is said to be Mildew resistant with a moderate to slow growth rate eventually forming a near perfect silhouette, and having a very long life span.
Ease of transplant is likely similar to the two oak species crossed to produce this tree, both of which are good. However, providing a dense fibrous root system, keeping it moist and proper planting always play an important role in establishing any new tree.
Fall color is not just yellow, but a dark golden yellow, so you will not be disappointed. It can appear to glow on a warm sunny fall day. Let me know if you have seen a mature specimen or have any experience with this tree.
Let me know if you have seen a mature specimen or have any experience with this tree.
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Jim Barborinas
Owner of Urban Forest Nursery, Inc.
ISA Certified Arborist #0135
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #356
15119 McLean Rd.
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
jim@urbanforestnursery.com
Curious how Regal Prince® Oak fits in landscapes and urban spaces?
Here are some common questions people ask about this tree:
It has a tidy, formal, and dense columnar form with a strong upright crown and dominant central leader, making it ideal for narrow urban spaces.
It reaches up to 45 feet tall with approximately 20 feet wide spread. Leaves are bright green on top, silvery underneath, with narrow rounded lobes. The canopy remains dense and upright, forming a clean silhouette.
Yes — it tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, drought, road salts, and soil compaction. Its strong form and long lifespan make it very urban tolerant.
Leaves and narrow acorns eventually turn brown and can hang through winter. In fall, the leaves turn a dark golden yellow that appears to glow on sunny days.
Establishing a dense fibrous root system, keeping the tree moist, and proper planting are key. Once settled, it grows steadily with moderate to slow growth, maintaining its near-perfect form.