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.
Jillian, a beloved member of the Lovelace-Young family and an active participant in Elsberry FFA and the nursery’s summer programs, found joy in the rhythms of rural life—from tending plants to competing in agricultural events. Her enthusiasm for environmental science and community service left an indelible mark on her family and the Elsberry area. Though her time was tragically cut short in 2013, her influence endures through the Jillian Young Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports aspiring leaders in agriculture and science. At Forrest Keeling Nursery, we channel that same forward-thinking spirit into cultivating trees that nurture both people and places.
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.”
Its impact reached the state level during Missouri’s 2021 bicentennial, when a Jillian Oak—grown at MU’s South Farm Research Center—was planted alongside an overcup oak on the State Capitol grounds in Jefferson City. Today, Jillian Oaks are integral to regional initiatives, from urban groves to wildlife corridors, accelerating habitat restoration and sustainable horticulture.
At Forrest Keeling Nursery, the Jillian Oak isn’t just a tree—it’s a bridge between innovation and inspiration. Rooted in family heritage and forward-focused conservation, it invites growers, landscapers, and communities to plant possibilities that last generations. Whether you’re enhancing a park, farm, or backyard, this oak delivers resilience wrapped in quiet elegance.
For more on the Jillian Oak’s availability or to explore our full range of native cultivars, visit FKNursery.com. To learn about the memorial scholarship or contribute to Jillian’s legacy, head to jillianyoungmemorial.com—where every planting sows seeds for tomorrow.
