English Oak
Quercus robur · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Landscape Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (undetermined cultivar, likely species type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
About This Tree
A large, long-lived deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown and a short, thick trunk. It features a majestic, rounded silhouette with many rugged, twisting branches that give it a sturdy, ancient appearance.
Leaf Characteristics
Leaves are alternate, simple, and 3-5 inches long with 3-7 pairs of rounded lobes. They typically have very short stalks (petioles) and unique 'ear-like' auricles at the base. Color is dark green above and paler blue-green beneath.
Bark Characteristics
Young bark is smooth and silvery-grey, becoming deeply fissured and grey-brown into thick, rectangular plates or ridges as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia; widely naturalized in North America.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring; flowers in April-May; acorns ripen in autumn; enters dormancy in late October or November.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for best growth; prefers consistent moisture but is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Prefers well-drained, fertile loam.
Mature Size
Mature height of 40-70 feet with a similar spread of 40-60 feet. Growth rate is moderate. Lifespan can exceed several hundred years.
Special Characteristics
Known for high-quality timber and ornamental value; susceptible to powdery mildew in humid climates. Notable for its historic and cultural significance in European folklore.
Wildlife & Ecology
Highly valuable ecological host. Provides acorns for squirrels, jays, and deer. Supports hundreds of species of insects, caterpillars, and birds, serving as a pillar for biodiversity in urban or forest settings.