1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and much of Europe. One of the two native oak species in Britain, alongside pedunculate oak (Quercus robur).
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: 7–14 cm long, with 5–6 pairs of rounded lobes. Unlike pedunculate oak, leaves are on longer stalks (petioles) and usually lack the “ear-like” lobes at the base. Glossy green in summer, turning brown or russet in autumn. Arranged alternately.
Bark: Grey and smooth in young trees, developing deep fissures and ridges with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Male flowers are yellow-green catkins in spring; female flowers are small and inconspicuous. Produces acorns seated directly on twigs (sessile = “without stalks”). Acorns ripen in autumn.
Overall shape: A large, tall tree with a broad, domed crown and more upright, less spreading habit than pedunculate oak.
4. Typical Size
17–22 m tall; spread 12–18 m. Exceptional specimens may exceed 35 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Common across the UK, particularly in western uplands, valleys, and acidic soils. Prefers well-drained, upland sites compared with pedunculate oak, which favours lowland clays.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Acorns stalkless (sessile), leaves long-stalked.
Leaves lack ear-like lobes at the base.
More common in upland and acidic sites.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Catkins appear; fresh green leaves unfurl.
Summer: Dense canopy of lobed leaves; acorns develop.
Autumn: Foliage turns brown to russet; acorns ripen and fall.
Winter: Bare branches with rugged bark and stout crown.
8. Human Uses
Timber strong, durable, and highly valued for furniture, flooring, beams, barrels, and shipbuilding.
Coppiced historically for fuel and charcoal.
Symbolic importance in culture and heritage, like all oaks.
9. Wildlife Value
Like pedunculate oak, sessile oak supports a huge range of species (over 2,000).
Leaves feed many moth caterpillars; acorns eaten by jays, squirrels, and deer.
Bats roost in old trees; lichens and fungi thrive on mature bark.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Sessile oak is the national tree of Wales.
Its name comes from the Latin petraea (“of the rocks”), reflecting its preference for upland, rocky soils.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers deep, fertile, acidic or neutral, well-drained soils. Less tolerant of clay and waterlogging than pedunculate oak.
Light: Best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly for first 2–3 years; drought-tolerant once mature.
Spacing: Allow 12–20 m for large trees.
Aftercare: Mulch around base to retain moisture. Protect saplings from browsing animals. Avoid pruning large limbs once mature.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Less commonly planted in towns than pedunculate oak, but useful in large parks and rural estates. Requires plenty of space.
Garden: Suitable only for very large gardens or parkland. Too large for smaller gardens but excellent for biodiversity and landscape value.