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Quercus robur 'Argenteopicta'

Other Name

Mottle-leaf English Oak

Location

2 Stonnington Place Toorak, STONNINGTON CITY

File Number

T12365

Level

Regional

Statement of Significance

Tree Measurements:

Condition: Good

Tree Type: Individual

Circumference at 1.4m: 1.97m

Height: 7.5m

Canopy spread: N-S 11.5m, E-W 12.5m

Height method: Instrument

Circumference method: Tape Measure

Date of measurement: 19/10/2017

Age of tree: 90+ years, planted in 1920s

Measured by John Hawker

STATEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE:

What is significant?

A mature and rare Quercus robur 'Argenteopicta' growing in the front garden of Cromford, at the corner of Stonnington Place and Denham Place, Toorak. The tree canopy is compromised by overhead powerlines. The tree has a wide spreading canopying and is a valuable streetscape feature when it first comes into leaf in September producing light yellow to almost white leaves that change to a darker green mottled colour as they mature. The tree has a straight trunk and good branch structure.

How is it significant?

This Mottle-leaf English oak (Quercus robur 'Argenteopicta') is significant for rarity, horticultural value and historic reasons at a Regional level.

Why is it significant?

Quercus robur 'Argenteopicta' is rare in Victoria and only 7 other trees are known to occur, 6 in Hamilton and a tree at Smythesdale. The pre-1864 cultivar, which originated in Germany is unknown elsewhere in Australia. It has mottled leaves, gradually becoming green with paler patches. The tree makes a contribution to the surrounding streetscape.

The property Cromford was constructed in 1918 to a design by the well-known architect Rodney Alsop who subdivided and built other houses in Stonnington Place. The tree is believed to have been planted in the 1920s and was well established by 1956 when the current owners bought the property. Cromford is included in a heritage overlay (HO341) in the Stonnington Planning Scheme. The current owner has lived at Cromford since 1956 and the tree was well established at this time.

It is interesting to note that several small oak seedlings below show no leaf variegation and are all Quercus robur.

Details of the only other known trees of this cultivar are at;

Lake Hamilton Caravan Park, Circ 1.6m, Canopy 13.5m and Height 8m (2003)

Gray Street/Mill Road Hamilton 5 trees, Circ 1.6m, Canopy 15m and Height 10m (2003)

Toorak, 2 Stonnington Place, Circ 1.97m, Canopy 11.5 N-S & 12.5m E-W Height 7.5m (2017)

Smythesdale, Glenelg Hwy, east/Ballarat entry

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees