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Quercus robur

common oak

A large, deciduous tree potentially reaching a mature height of between 20 to 40m in height, with a magnificent broad crown and strong branches beneath. Dark green, rounded and lobed foliage, smooth at the edges, turns reddish-brown in autumn. Inconspicuous, long, yellow-green catkins appear in spring, followed by green acorns, ripening to brown, around 2-2.5 cm long. Sadly the oak is in decline, but still commonly found across the United Kingdom, especially in Southern and Central areas, and an important food source and shelter for a whole range of small mammals, birds and insects

Other common names
aac
black oak
see moreEnglish oak
French oak
pedunculate oak
Polish oak
Slavonian oak
Synonyms
Quercus pedunculata
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Green
Summer Green
Autumn Red Brown Green Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Fagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in most deep, moist but well-drained fertile soils and is lime tolerant. Many acorns are eaten by wildlife before they are able to germinate. See tree cultivation and oak decline for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus

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