Photo: Alexis López HernándezCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Skinner's Oak Plant Care
Quercus skinneri Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to Mexico, this oak tree species is known for its striking maroon-colored leaves that stand out among other trees in the forest. Plant collectors are drawn to Quercus skinneri for its unique foliage and its ability to thrive in a variety of climates, making it a desirable addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
45–100°F
30–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Skinner's Oak?
Plant Skinner's Oak in full sun (USDA zones 9b–11b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 45–100°F (7–38°C).
Where Is the Skinner's Oak Native To?
What Is the Skinner's Oak?
Skinner's Oak (Quercus skinneri) belongs to the Fagaceae family within the Quercus genus. Skinner's Oak is native to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Skinner's Oak is also known as Guatemalan Oak.
Skinner's Oak displays a large deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 60 ft. Skinner's Oak produces inconspicuous catkins.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Skinner's Oak?
Water a young or newly planted Skinner's Oak every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Skinner's Oak Need?
Skinner's Oak thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Skinner's Oak Prefer?
Quercus skinneri tolerates temperatures of 45–100°F. Skinner's Oak prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.
Temperature
45–100°F
Humidity
30–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Skinner's Oak?
Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Skinner's Oak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Skinner's Oak?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Skinner's Oak is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Skinner's Oak?
Skinner's Oak can spread to about 60 ft (18.3 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 m) tall. Space plants about 60 ft (18.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Skinner's Oak?
Prune Skinner's Oak while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Skinner's Oak in Winter?
Skinner's Oak is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Skinner's Oak?
Skinner's Oak can be propagated through acorns, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to english oak plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Skinner's Oak Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Skinner's Oak, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Skinner's Oak?
Skinner's Oak is susceptible to oak leaf blister, oak wilt, gypsy moth. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Skinner's Oak Need?
Skinner's Oak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Skinner's Oak is native to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. In cooler regions, grow Skinner's Oak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Skinner's Oak is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Quercus genus — compare its care with other Quercus species on PlantoScan.
Quercus is part of the Fagaceae plant family — browse all Fagaceae genera and species.
Skinner's Oak thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Quercus Species
Other Quercus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Quercus skinneri Benth., family Fagaceae (first published in Gard. Chron. 1841: 116 (1841)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Skinner's Oak, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Alexis López Hernández, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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