Quercus robur (English Oak)

Long-lived and majestic, Quercus robur (English oak) is a large deciduous tree adorned with a magnificent, broad-spreading crown. The foliage of 3-7 lobed, rich blue-green leaves turns reddish-brown in the fall. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins appear in spring as the leaves emerge. The short trunk and upright branches, with their ridged and furrowed dark gray bark, provide architectural elegance and winter interest. Its oval acorns are a valuable source of food for small mammals and birds, but English Oak may take up to 20 years before the first crop of acorns is produced. Robust and sturdy, it is an excellent specimen tree for large areas.

• Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall and wide (12-18 m).
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, but performs best in moist, well-drained loams. Drought tolerant.
• Perfect as a specimen plant.
• May be affected by aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, oak gall wasps, powdery mildew and oak wilt.
• Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame.
• Toxic to horses.
• Native to Europe, northern Africa and western Asia