Roots That Reach High: The Jillian Oak Story
In the heart of Missouri's rolling heartland, where ancient oaks whisper stories of endurance, stands a remarkable hybrid: Quercus x ‘Jillian Anne Young’, known simply as the Jillian Oak. This fast-growing cultivar, a natural cross of swamp white, bur, and overcup oaks, embodies botanical excellence and family legacy. Discovered among the collections at Forrest Keeling Nursery by founder Wayne Lovelace, the tree is named in honor of his granddaughter, Jillian Anne Young—a vibrant young woman whose passion for agriculture and the outdoors inspired those around her. Planted as a living tribute, the Jillian Oak symbolizes growth, adaptability, and lasting beauty, much like the spirited legacy it commemorates.
What sets the Jillian Oak apart is its exceptional hybrid vigor, blending the best traits of its parent species. Its lobed leaves feature silvery undersides reminiscent of bur or overcup oaks, framed by the crisp, elegant margins of swamp white oak. This pyramidal form rises impressively to 45-60 feet tall with a 35-40-foot spread, offering a stately presence for landscapes. Thriving in USDA zones 5-7, it's remarkably adaptable—handling clay loams, poor drainage, and moisture levels from consistently wet to occasionally dry. Ideal for the Midwest's variable conditions, it performs well in full sun, making it a top choice for urban forestry, restoration projects, and residential plantings.
Beyond aesthetics, the Jillian Oak is a powerhouse for conservation. Its reliable acorn production provides essential forage for squirrels, songbirds, and other wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in both rural and urban settings. Long-lived—potentially up to 300 years—it's a sustainable investment for agroforestry, windbreaks, and street tree programs. At Forrest Keeling Nursery, we've seen it excel in challenging sites, from flood-prone bottomlands to alkaline soils, proving its toughness without sacrificing grace.
The Jillian Oak's story extends into public landscapes, showcasing its role in Missouri's green future. In 2019, we donated 70 native oaks—including several Jillians—to the University of Missouri-Columbia's Legacy Oaks project. These trees now grace the Francis Quadrangle around Jesse Hall, replacing aging pin oaks lost to disease and soil issues. As Kim Lovelace, nursery president and Jillian's mother, notes, "The Jillian captures the toughness, adaptability, and enduring grace we cherish—it's a perfect fit for revitalizing cherished spaces."
Mizzou's Legacy Oaks Project:
Four Jillian Oaks join other native oaks to shade the University of Missouri’s iconic Francis Quadrangle, part of a forward-thinking replanting to honor the university's past while prepping for 100+ years of student stories. Imagine future Tigers picnicking under those oak branches—Jillian’s spirit whispering, ‘Keep your chin up!’ (one of her go-to mantras!).
Missouri Bicentennial Tree:
One proud Jillian Oak stands at the State Capitol, planted in 2021 to celebrate Missouri's 200th birthday. It's a living tribute, rooted in service and reaching for the sky.
