About
Quercus robur, the common oak or pedunculate oak, is a large, deciduous tree potentially reaching 20�40 m with a magnificent, broad crown and strong branches. An iconic native British tree and vital habitat for hundreds of species of insects, mammals and birds. Long, yellow-green catkins appear in spring, followed by green acorns ripening to brown. Dark-green, rounded, lobed foliage turns reddish-brown in autumn. A magnificent and irreplaceable tree for a large garden or parkland.
About the genus
Quercus, the oaks, are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs with characteristic acorn fruits, lobed or toothed leaves and inconspicuous flowers. Among the most important, long-lived and ornamental of all trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toEurope, SW Asia
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows 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
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus