English Oak, Pedunculate Oak, Common Oak
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Fagales, Family: Fagaceae, Genus: Quercus, Species: Quercus robur · Fagaceae (Beech/Oak family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Quercus robur
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Fagaceae (Beech/Oak family)
Shape
Obovate with 3-7 pairs of deep, rounded lobes and distinctive 'ear-like' auricles at the base of the blade where it meets the petiole.
Size
Typically 7-14 cm (3-5.5 inches) long. The specimens in the image appear to be within the standard mature size range.
Margin
Lobed (pinnately lobed); the lobes are rounded and smooth without bristles or teeth.
Arrangement
Alternate, often clustered at the tips of twigs.
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, paler green beneath. Some leaves in the image show dark, dusky patches which may indicate the early stages of powdery mildew or soot mold common in late summer.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate; secondary veins run directly from the midrib into the tips of the lobes.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly leathery. The upper surface is matte to slightly glossy.
Description
A long-lived, majestic deciduous tree known for its wide, spreading crown and deeply furrowed grayish-brown bark. It produces acorns on long stalks (peduncles), which is the primary identifier for this species over the Sessile Oak. It is a symbol of strength and endurance.
Key Features
Rounded lobes, very short petioles (leaf stalks), auriculate (ear-like) leaf bases, and acorns produced on long peduncles (stalks).
Habitat
Thrives in deep, fertile, well-drained loams but is highly adaptable. Found in deciduous woodlands, parks, and hedgerows.
Geographic Range
Native to most of Europe west of the Caucasus, and parts of North Africa and Western Asia. Widely planted as an ornamental and timber tree in North America.
Condition Notes
Good overall health, though some leaves exhibit localized dark discoloration/spotting likely due to seasonal environmental stress or mild fungal presence (powdery mildew). Acorns are immature (green) indicating mid-summer status.
Interesting Facts
The English Oak can live for over 1,000 years. It was the primary timber used for the British Royal Navy's 'Wooden Walls.' It is the national tree of several countries including England, Germany, and Latvia.
Medicinal & Uses
The bark is rich in tannins and has been used traditionally as an astringent and for tanning leather. Timber is highly valued for furniture, flooring, and wine barrels. Acorns were historically used as 'mast' for feeding swine.
Ecological Role
High ecological value, supporting more biodiversity than almost any other native European tree, including hundreds of species of insects, birds, and fungi.
Similar Species
Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) which has leaves on longer stalks and acorns with no stalks. White Oak (Quercus alba) has deeper lobes and lacks the distinctive auricles at the leaf base.
Foraging Tips
Look for the 'ears' at the base of the leaf and the long-stalked acorns. Edible acorns require extensive leaching of bitter tannins before consumption.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly toxic. Leaves and acorns contain high concentrations of tannic acid, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in humans and is toxic to horses and cattle if consumed in large quantities.