English Oak
Quercus robur
Also known as
Oak, Common Oak, Pedunculate Oak, Black Oak, French Oak, Polish Oak, Slavonian Oak, European Oak, Acorn Tree, Pendunculate oak
Scoville - Quercus robur - JPG2 by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT (CC BY 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H6
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
20m | Max | 12m |
6m | Min | 6m |
25 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of English Oak
English Oak Overview
Quercus robur is a large, deciduous tree species in the Fagaceae family. It is planted for forestry, producing long-lasting and durable heartwood, that is used in the production of furniture and other interior work. Capable of growing between 20-40m in height and commonly known as English Oak, this species is a national embalm and forms a wide, spreading crown with an open canopy. The bark is smooth and coloured silver-brown, developing a rough, fissured texture with age. Leaves measure approximately 10cm in length, they have 4-5 deep lobes and a smooth margin. This tree is monoecious and thus has both male and female flowers on the same individual plant. The male flowers are arranged in long, hanging catkin structures, these are coloured yellow-green and the female flowers are small and pink, leading onto nuts called acorns. These trees are also valuable in parks and gardens, the acorns form a valuable food resource for pigs, horses, several small mammals and some birds. This tree exhibits attractive autumn colouration, with the foliage turning red-brown in autumn.
Common problems with English Oak
Powdery mildew can be a problem as well as various bract fungi, Oak wilt and honey fungus. In South Africa trees are sprayed from spring to early summer with fungicides to prevent these diseases.
How to harvest English Oak
Acorns can be collected as they drop from the trees in early autumn.
How to propagate English Oak
Seed
The seeds are called acorns, sow as soon as they are ripe.
Grafting
Grafting in late winter.
Special features of English Oak
Attracts birds
Birds including owls and hoopoe build their nests in the soft wood.
Drought resistant
Deep roots allow to withstand dry times.
Hedge plant
Make a beautiful large hedge screen on proporty borders.
Autumn colour
Leaves turn yellow, brown and oranges before they fall.
Attractive leaves
Other uses of English Oak
Specimen. Suitable for coastal conditions.
Planting For Butterflies - Host/Food Plants
Include these plants in your garden for butterflies to hatch out caterpillars on.
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