Mine is in its third season, and is currently a dullish gray-green. It will purple-ize soon once the sun intensifies, days lenthen and it warms up. The original plant I go did throw up a bunch of green stems mid-summer of its first year. I cut off the purple ones, rooted them, and the plants they became have remained all purple for 2 full seasons.

if i had to do it .... i would get a pot.. and some cactus mix.. and transplant it ASAP ... and get it accustomed to the pot.. before the long drive home. and then i would put the pot in full shade and not plant it in mother earth.. until the leaves fall off ... trees do not like regular high peat media... it can hold too much water .. they like a drink and near total drainage ... even to be dry for a day or two .. before wetting again .... but in a small pot.. dont let the pot get too hot.. nor too dry.. while holding the plant over ... even if you have to stick the pot in the soil.. to temper august heat ... but dont shock it twice.. by digging it up.. then transporting it .. and then immediately replanting it... wait.. thats three shocks... and on the drive home.. no stopping for 12 afternoon drinks.. and leaving your pet tree in a closed car on the parking lot... crikey.. traveling with plants is worse than kids.. you just cant leave them in a closed locked car ... lol ... make sense...?? someone else can ID it for you .. but why not practice regardless... good luck.. let us know how it works out ... ken ps: i was told .. long ago.. its hard to ID oak babes.. as mature leaf form is better for ID ....but it sure does look like a swamper to my untrained eye ....

I also have lots of oak trees and make mulch from the shredded leaves. In fact, I have three large yard bags full of them right now making quick compost. The only caution is try not to get too many acorns with the leaves - just take leaves that blow against fences or other plants. If you rake the ground under the trees for leaves, you'll get a lot of acorns mixed up with them and they are bad. The tanic acid in them inhibits growth and you don't want to put any of them around your plants or veggies. But the leaves themselves are great mulch and compost. Have fun!

Okay. I got anxious and did a search for more answers. According to the following link, both pine and oak leaves are acid-building for soil content. Not so sure how much acid I need to add. Hmmmm. The article at the link I give from Texas A&M Horticulturists states: "As previously stated, pine needles are an excellent mulch, especially when used in conjunction with oak leaves which have been at least partially broken down in a compost pile. Both are acid forming and help to maintain the acidity of the soil." Maybe someone who has used these as mulch can comment on their garden soil health? Guess I could do a soil test for pH, etc. Thanks. Here is a link that might be useful: Aggie Horticulture site