Quercus lyrata Highbeam ('QLFTB') is a patented, trademarked overcup oak from Tree Introductions Inc. It has an upright, pyramidal habit in youth, but becomes more rounded/oval with maturity. Branching is upswept.

Mature leaves are dark green, changing to orange-brown in fall. Unlike seedling overcup oaks, Highbeam foliage drops cleanly and all at once. It's hardy in Zones 6-9 and grows in full sun. It has no significant pest problems and will grow in hard, dry soils or poorly draining sites once established.

It's the first clonal overcup oak produced (via cuttings) on its own roots on the commercial market.

Hightower

Q. phellos Hightower ('QPSTA') from Tree Introductions Inc. is the first willow oak cultivar produced from cuttings on the market. This patented, trademarked variety has a narrow, pyramidal habit and produces a dense canopy and dominant central leader.

It's an average to fast grower, outgrowing Q. phellos seedlings by 20 percent in some tests. Its leaves are lustrous green in summer, changing to soft-yellow or yellow-orange in fall. Foliage drops clean in autumn. It's hardy in Zones 6-9 and is excellent for street plantings.

. © 2003 Branch-Smith Publishing