1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and much of Europe. One of Britain’s most iconic native trees, along with sessile oak.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: 7–14 cm long, with 4–5 pairs of rounded lobes and short stalks (petioles). Leaf bases have small “ear-like” lobes where they join the stalk. Glossy green in summer, turning yellow-brown before dropping. Arranged alternately.
Bark: Pale grey when young, becoming deeply ridged and fissured with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Male flowers are long yellow-green catkins in spring; female flowers are small and inconspicuous. Produces acorns, each in a scaly cup, borne on long stalks (peduncles), ripening in autumn.
Overall shape: A large, broad-crowned tree with massive limbs and a sturdy trunk. Can live for centuries and develop a wide, spreading form.
4. Typical Size
17–22 m tall; spread 15–25 m. Exceptional individuals can exceed 40 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Widespread across the UK in woods, hedgerows, parklands, and pastures. Prefers fertile, moist soils but grows in a wide variety of conditions, except very acidic or waterlogged ground.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Acorns borne on long stalks (unlike sessile oak).
Short-stalked leaves with “ear-lobes” at the base.
Vast, spreading crown in mature trees.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Male catkins appear; leaves unfurl bright green.
Summer: Dense canopy of lobed leaves; acorns begin developing.
Autumn: Leaves yellow-brown; acorns ripen and fall.
Winter: Bare, with rugged bark and strong branching structure visible.
8. Human Uses
Historically prized for durable timber, used in shipbuilding, buildings, barrels, and furniture.
Bark once used in tanning.
Still widely used in carpentry, flooring, and joinery.
Strong cultural and symbolic significance in Britain (strength, endurance, heritage).
9. Wildlife Value
One of the most important UK trees for biodiversity – supports over 2,000 species.
Leaves feed caterpillars of numerous moths; acorns eaten by jays, squirrels, deer, and many mammals.
Provides roosting sites for bats and nesting cavities for birds.
Hosts rich communities of lichens, fungi, and invertebrates.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Some ancient oaks in Britain are over 1,000 years old (e.g. the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest).
Associated with folklore, kingship, and national identity – the oak is England’s national tree.
Oak leaves and acorns often appear in heraldry and military insignia.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils but tolerates a range, except very acidic peat or waterlogged clay.
Light: Full sun preferred, tolerates light shade when young.
Watering: Water regularly until established; drought-tolerant once mature.
Spacing: Allow at least 15–20 m for large trees.
Aftercare: Mulch base to conserve moisture. Protect young trees from deer and livestock browsing. Minimal pruning required; avoid cutting major limbs once mature.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Less suited to tight urban sites due to size, roots, and acorn drop, but excellent in large parks and estates.
Garden: Suitable only for very large gardens or parkland. Provides shade, wildlife value, and long-term presence, but requires space to thrive.