Crimson Spire® Oak

The Crimson Spire® Oak (Quercus robur x alba ‘Crimsonschmidt’) is a medium-sized, fast-growing columnar tree. It has a narrow, columnar form with a short central leader and dense upright branches that spread out a bit more as it matures but maintains a narrow shape. Its foliage is like that of a white oak, dark green and lobed and maintains its color through the summer heat. The leaves turn a stunning red in the fall which is distinctive to the tree and uncommon in most English Oaks. A significant amount of dried brown leaves also persist on the tree through most of the winter.

The Crimson Spire® Oak is J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. introduction. It is a cross between a White Oak and an English Oak. It takes the best characteristics from each, narrow growth habit and adaptability from the English Oak and dark green foliage resistant to mildew and red fall color from the White Oak. It is an aesthetically versatile tree for streets and boulevards, confined spaces in yards, and colonnades or groves when planted in groups. Naturally upright and narrow form make pruning unnecessary. It does best in full sun and is adaptable to a wide range of soils.