The Sawtooth Oak is a deciduous oak that is native to Asia. It typically grows 40-60’ tall with a broad-spreading, rounded crown. Gray to black bark develops corky ridging with age. It is native to China, Korea and Japan. Fruits are oval acorns (to 1” long), with spiny, scaly cups that extend to approximately 2/3 the acorn length. Acorn crops can be quite abundant and are an important source of food for wildlife. Oblong to lance-shaped, chestnut-like, glossy dark green leaves (to 7” long) have bristle-tipped marginal teeth at the terminal point of each parallel vein. Fall color is variable, ranging from an attractive golden brown to pale brown. Best grown in rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Tolerant of heat and humidity. Hardy in zones 6-9.
Growing Instructions for the Sawtooth Oak
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. 2. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 3. Put the bag in the refrigerator and leave it there for 2 months. 4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. 5. Sow the seeds 1 inch deep in the soil. 6. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 8. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.