Quercus robur | English Oak
One of Britain's most iconic, native trees, the Quercus robur, also known as the English Oak, is a national emblem representing strength, history and prosperity. This is a large, deciduous tree with a broad-spreading crown and strong branches, reaching heights of 20-40m. Late into leaf, often mid May, the distinctively round and smooth-edged, lobed leaves emerge green, in bunches, on short leaf stalks, and in autumn they turn golden-brown. The English Oak is also well known for its acorns, 2-2.5cm long on long stalks in cupules. The acorns ripen and in autumn fall to the ground where most never germinate because they are a rich source of food for wildlife. This enormous, characterful tree is very long-lived, some to over 800 years. As well as its vast ecological benefit, the Quercus robur also produces the hardiest and most durable timber on the planet.
The Quercus robur supports more wildlife than any other native tree in the UK, thousand of species rely on the Oak for survival. There is a host of mythology and symbolism associated with the Quercus robur tree. In the past, leaves, bark and acorns were thought to heal many ailments including diarrhoea, inflammation and kidney stones. This great tree is also linked to royalty as ancient kings and roman emperors wore crowns of oak leaves.
