English Oak, Common Oak, Pedunculate Oak
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Angiosperms; Class: Eudicots; Order: Fagales; Family: Fagaceae; Genus: Quercus; Species: Quercus robur · Fagaceae (Beech or Oak family) · Simple, Deciduous
Species
Quercus robur
Leaf Type
Simple, Deciduous
Family
Fagaceae (Beech or Oak family)
Shape
Ovate to obovate with 3-7 pairs of deep, rounded lobes
Size
Approximately 3.5 inches long (8-10 cm), within the typical species range of 7-14 cm
Margin
Lobed with smooth, rounded (pinnatifid) edges and very short or absent petioles
Arrangement
Alternate, often clustered at the ends of twigs
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, paler green beneath; lacks distinctive variegation
Venation Pattern
Pinnate, with the central midrib clearly visible and lateral veins extending into each lobe
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) on both sides; secondary veins may feel slightly raised on the underside
Description
A majestic, long-lived deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown. The bark is grey-brown and deeply fissured in maturity. Its acorns are borne on long stalks (peduncles), distinguishing it from the Sessile Oak.
Key Features
Rounded lobes, very short petiole (leaf stalk), and 'ear-like' auricles at the base where the leaf meets the stem
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, parklands, and hedgerows; prefers fertile, well-drained, deep loamy soils
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia; widely introduced in North America and Australia
Condition Notes
The leaf appears healthy with good color saturation; no visible signs of powdery mildew or gall wasp damage; Grade: Excellent
Interesting Facts
The English Oak can live for over 1,000 years and is a symbol of strength and endurance. It was historically the primary timber for the British Royal Navy's 'Hearts of Oak' ships.
Medicinal & Uses
Timber is highly valued for furniture and barrels. Bark was traditionally used for tanning leather. Acorns are edible after leaching tannins but are primarily used for livestock feed.
Ecological Role
A keystone species supporting more biodiversity than any other native tree in Its range, providing habitat for hundreds of insect species and food for birds and mammals.
Similar Species
Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak), which has longer leaf stalks and acorns without stalks, and Quercus alba (White Oak), which has more deeply cut lobes.
Foraging Tips
Look for the characteristic ear-like lobes (auricles) at the leaf base and long-stalked acorns in late summer to confirm the species identification in the field.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic. Leaves and acorns contain high concentrations of tannins which can be toxic to horses, cattle, and humans if consumed in large quantities without processing.