Quercus palustris TREEVOLUTION® ‘Woodside Splendor’PBR

This cultivar of the swamp oak was selected 25 years ago by Mr P.C.M. (Paulus) van den Berk, together with four others, from a batch of seedlings that were planted at the nursery in Sint-Oedenrode. The trees were selected based on autumn colour, leaf shape and crown structure. ‘Woodside Splendor’ was the best of the selection. Its autumn colour is more intense and develops early in the autumn. Unlike some others in this species, the crown is highly regular in the mature phase. In 2015 Van den Berk Nurseries acquired plant breeders’ rights based on the beautiful crown structure but mainly the wonderful autumn colour. The name ‘Woodside’ is a direct translation of the Dutch ‘Boskant’, a village close to Sint-Oedenrode where the company has its premises.

Good city tree

‘Woodside Splendor’ is a reasonably vigorously growing tree with a beautiful horizontal branching pattern. The lower branches may sag somewhat after time. The leaf is rather variable in shape, glossy dark green and roughly lobed. The tree holds on to its foliage in autumn longer than the species. Quercus palustris grows in almost any soil and tolerates air pollution. It is a good city tree.

Characteristics

Height: 20-25 m
Crown: broad conical, later round, half-open crown
Bark and branches: twigs olive green, bark grey, smooth to shallow
grooved
Leaf: ovate to oval, roughly lobed, glossy dark green, 7 - 15 cm
Autumn colour: brilliant red
Flowers: golden coloured catkins, May
Fruits: flat-topped spherical, approx. 1 cm
Application: avenues and broad streets, parks
Soil type: any, preferably fertile
Soil moisture: suitable for wet soil
Wind resistance: good
Winter hardiness zone: 5a (-28,8 tot -26,1 °C)
Fauna tree: valuable for butterflies, provides food for birds