ExploreTree

English Oak

Quercus robur

The English Oak is a strong tree with a thick trunk and wide branches. It provides shade and homes for many animals.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The English Oak is a large, majestic tree with a broad, irregular crown. It has deeply lobed leaves that turn golden in autumn and distinctive fissured, gray-brown bark. Its small acorns, often found in clusters, hang from long stalks.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus

English Oak

Interesting facts

English Oaks are more likely to be struck by lightning than most other trees!

Its super strong wood was once used to build mighty ships, like those of the Royal Navy!

Look closely! An oak tree's branches provide homes and food for hundreds of different insect species.

Some ancient English Oaks are so big, their hollow trunks have been used as tiny houses or chapels!

Special abilities

English Oak can grow a powerful taproot that helps it stay upright against strong winds and find water deep underground.

English Oak has special chemicals called tannins in its wood, protecting it from pests and diseases, helping it live longer.

English Oak can produce thousands of acorns, ensuring many new trees can sprout even if some are eaten by animals.

Measurements & details

Height: 20-40 m
Canopy Spread: 15-30 m
Is Edible: No
Trunk Diameter: 100-300 cm
Lifespan: 300-800 years
Fruit Type: Acorn
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

eats

Grey Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

loves to eat and bury its acorns.

depends on

Eurasian Jay

Garrulus glandarius

buries acorns to eat later, helping plant new oaks.

depends on

Purple Hairstreak

Favonius quercus

its caterpillars feast on young oak leaves.

symbiotic with

Porcini mushroom

Boletus edulis

shares nutrients with its roots underground.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Fruit Bearing

These amazing plants develop fruits, which often contain seeds and are sometimes delicious treats for us or wildlife. They're nature's way of spreading new life!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!