Oak, English

Quercus robur

50 Trees

Details

Noteworthy Characteristics

Quercus robur, commonly called English oak, is native to mixed woodland areas from the British Isles to the Caucasus. It has been widely planted in North America since the 1600s. It is a large, majestic, deciduous oak of the white oak group that typically grows in cultivation to 40-70’ (less frequently 100’) tall with a broad-spreading, rounded crown. Trunks are typically short, with ridged and furrowed dark gray to black bark. Insignificant monoecious yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring as the leaves emerge. Fruits are oval acorns (to 1” long) on 1-3” long stalks. Acorn caps extend approxmately 1/3 the acorn length. Acorns are an important source of food for wildlife. Short-stalked, dark green leaves (3-5” long) with 3-7 blunt lobes per side are blue-green beneath. Small auriculate lobes at the leaf bases distinguish this species from the similar American species of white oak (Quercus alba). Leaves are variable in shape. No fall color. English oak has long been an important timber source in England.

Genus name comes from the classical Latin name for oak trees.

Specific epithet comes from the Latin word meaning robust in reference to the strength and durability of the tree.

‘Fastigiata’ is a popular columnar cultivar that typically grows 50-60’ tall and only 10-15’ wide.

For more information visit Missouri Botanical Garden HERE