Quercus robur (English Oak)

Quercus robur (English Oak) is a majestic, long-lived deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown and a powerful architectural presence. Its rich blue-green leaves are divided into 3-7 rounded lobes and turn reddish-brown in fall. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins appear in spring as the new foliage emerges. The short trunk and strong upright branches are clothed in dark gray bark that becomes deeply ridged and furrowed with age, adding strong winter interest.

The oval acorns provide an important food source for birds and small mammals. English Oak may take many years before producing its first substantial acorn crop, but mature trees can become major wildlife resources. Robust and sturdy, it is best suited to large landscapes where its broad crown and massive structure can develop fully.

The oak genus includes many beloved trees, such as Live Oak, White Oak, Red Oak, Blue Oak, Bur Oak, and Pin Oak.

Oaks support an exceptionally wide range of butterfly and moth larvae. Species associated with oaks include the Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus), Edward’s Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii), Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album), Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius), and Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis). Its acorns also provide valuable food for wildlife, including birds and mammals.

• 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. It adapts to a wide range of soil conditions but performs best in moist, well-drained loams. Once established, it shows useful drought tolerance.
• Best suited as a specimen tree, shade tree, or large-scale landscape tree.
• 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 if significant quantities of leaves or acorns are consumed.
• Native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia.