English Oak

(Quercus robur)

English Oak (Quercus robur)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Quercus robur, commonly known as English Oak, is a large deciduous tree native to deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, and hedgerows across Europe and into Western Asia. It is renowned for its longevity and sturdy nature, with some specimens living for centuries. Mature trees can reach impressive sizes, with a typical height of 66 to 130 feet (20 to 40 meters) and a spread of 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 meters). The Majesty Oak, with a circumference of 12.2 meters (40 feet), is the thickest tree in Great Britain, while the Kaive Oak in Latvia, at 10.2 meters (33 feet), is the thickest in Northern Europe. English Oak has a broad and spreading crown with a robust trunk. Its leaves are lobed and its bark is deeply fissured with age. The tree produces inconspicuous yellowish-green catkins in mid-spring, followed by the well-known acorns that ripen by mid-autumn.

The English Oak is valued for its majestic appearance, dense canopy, and historical significance. It is often used in large landscapes, parks, and as a heritage tree in gardens. It provides habitat and food for a wide range of wildlife. This oak prefers full sun but is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, though it thrives best in well-drained loamy soils. It is relatively low-maintenance once established but can be susceptible to oak wilt and powdery mildew. Due to its potential invasiveness, caution is advised when planting Quercus robur outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 40-70 feet
  • Width: 35-50 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, and hedgerows

Other Names

Common Names: Pedunculate Oak, European Oak, Stilk-Eg, Stiel-Eiche, Stieleiche, Chêne Pédonculé, Zomereik, Pelarek, Skogsek, Dub ČEreÅ¡ČAtyj

Scientific Names: , Quercus robur, Quercus tristis, Quercus similata, Quercus scotica, Quercus pectinata, Quercus robur subsp. longipeduncula, Quercus concordia, Quercus hodginsii, Quercus robur f. pendula

GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus robur L.