Common Oak, English Oak, Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur)
The English Oak is a majestic large tree growing to 30-40m. The thick branches are often gnarled. The leaves are obovate to elliptic and appear late. Solitary old trees characterize entire landscapes.
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Appearance
The English Oak is a majestic large tree growing to 30-40m. The thick branches are often gnarled. The leaves are obovate to elliptic and appear late. Solitary old trees characterize entire landscapes.
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Leaves
Deeply pinnate-lobed, widely rounded lobes, 10-15cm long, 5-10cm wide, leaf stem 0.2-0.8cm long. Leaves are glossy green above, pale blue-green below, turn brown in autumn.
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Leaf upperside
Deeply pinnate-lobed, widely rounded lobes, 10-15cm long, 5-10cm wide, leaf stem 0.2-0.8cm long. Leaves are glossy green above, pale blue-green below, turn brown in autumn.
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Leaf underside
Deeply pinnate-lobed, widely rounded lobes, 10-15cm long, 5-10cm wide, leaf stem 0.2-0.8cm long. Leaves are glossy green above, pale blue-green below, turn brown in autumn.
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Leaf autumn
Deeply pinnate-lobed, widely rounded lobes, 10-15cm long, 5-10cm wide, leaf stem 0.2-0.8cm long. Leaves are glossy green above, pale blue-green below, turn brown in autumn.
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Flowers
Flowering period IV-V, yellow--green male flowers in pendent clusters of catkins. Female flowers singly or in ear-like clusters at the tips of young shoots.
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Fruits
Brown oblong stalked acorns half-seated in closely scaled cups, up to 3.5cm long. Acorns on stalks 5-12cm long.
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Bark
Dark grey bark with deep furrows. Branches are olive green or pale grey.
Poisonousness
All parts of the plant, especially unripe acorns, contain tanning agents and are therefore toxic. Tanning agents may lead to endogastritis, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Application
Open country, open fields, pioneer tree, tip afforestation, stabilization of shores and hillsides, noise abatement, wind-break, bird protection, parks, urban areas, roadside verges, car parks, pedestrian precincts
Native regions
Central Europe, Southern Europe, Asia Minor, Balkans, Mediterranean countries, Caucasus, North Africa
Location parameters
Light: full sun to off-sun, temperature: warm to cool, soil: dry to fresh, stagnant moisture: resistant, soil structure: firm to normal, soil depth: very deep, compaction: resistant, soil quality: medium, pH value: 6.0 to 8.0
Demands
Sun to slight shade; likes warmth, frost-hardy, dry to moist, undemanding and robust; all nutrient-rich substrates; resistant to urban climates and wind; moderately tolerant of salt
Growth
Height of growth: 30m to 40m, spread:15m to 25m, moderately rapid growth potential, growth habits: loose, spreading
Leaves
Deeply pinnate-lobed, widely rounded lobes, 10-15cm long, 5-10cm wide, leaf stem 0.2-0.8cm long. Leaves are glossy green above, pale blue-green below, turn brown in autumn.
Flowers
Flowering period IV-V, yellow--green male flowers in pendent clusters of catkins. Female flowers singly or in ear-like clusters at the tips of young shoots.
Fruits
Brown oblong stalked acorns half-seated in closely scaled cups, up to 3.5cm long. Acorns on stalks 5-12cm long.
Bark
Dark grey bark with deep furrows. Branches are olive green or pale grey.
Roots
Taprooter