Also known as Japanese-Oak
Lithocarpus glaber is a medium to large evergreen tree native to East Asia, known for its distinctive blue-gray or glaucous leaves.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistent moisture, allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate to Cold
50% intensity
Tolerates a range of temperatures, including frost, but prefers moderate climates.
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from a balanced fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Japanese blue oak prefers consistent moisture, especially when young. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows down, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Prune to shape the tree and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before bud break. Light pruning to maintain shape can be done in summer.
Avoid heavy pruning in autumn to prevent winter damage.
Propagation is typically done from seeds, which require a period of cold stratification to germinate. Sow seeds in autumn in well-draining soil and place outdoors for natural stratification.
Alternatively, soak seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours before sowing in spring after a period of artificial stratification.
Repot young trees every 2-3 years, or when root-bound, preferably in early spring before new growth begins. Use a well-draining potting mix.
For mature trees, repotting is rarely necessary unless grown in containers, in which case, it may be done every 4-5 years.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Japanese Blue Oak (Lithocarpus glaber)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Lithocarpus |
| Species | Lithocarpus glaber |
Similar in genus Lithocarpus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
