Quercus leucotrichophora

Common Names

Banj Oak, Himalayan Oak, Banjh Oak

Summary

The banj oak is an evergreen tree native to the Himalaya, from Kumaun to Nepal, typically forming extensive forests at elevations around 600–2,500 m. It grows 15–25 m tall with a dense, rounded crown and gray, rough, fissured bark. Leaves are stiff, leathery, oblong-lanceolate with acuminate, serrate margins; dark green above and white-tomentose beneath; new growth pink. Flowers are produced April–May, and acorns are solitary or 2–3 on short peduncles, 1–2.5 cm long.

It tolerates well-drained soils from deep loam to heavy clay with neutral to alkaline pH, avoiding highly acidic or sandy substrates. Widely cultivated in Britain, Ireland, and New Zealand as an ornamental or windbreak; forms extensive stands in its native range and provides fuelwood with a high calorific value (~4600 kcal/kg), fodder from leaves (10–16% crude protein dry matter), and nutrient-rich leaf litter for compost; acorns are edible; timber is hard and strong.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

19 ft 8 in – 98 ft 5 in

Spread

66 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zone 8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade; seedlings prefer shaded understory, mature trees tolerate sun.

Soil Type

Moist, deep loamy soil with good drainage

Soil Drainage

Moist, free-draining soils.

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral, not prosper on highly acidic soils

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring (March–June; early Summer at higher elevations)

Foliage Color

Dark green above; white/silvery-gray tomentum below.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

All four seasons

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Coppicing (stump sprouting) – secondary vegetative propagation

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts birds