English oak is a long-lived oak with a broadly rounded to spreading habit and a short trunk. It is an excellent specimen tree or can be planted in a grouping in large open landscapes. The acorns provide a valuable food source for several small mammals and some birds, but trees may take up to 20 years to produce fruit.
Native geographic location and habitat:
English oak is native to Europe and southwestern Asia
Bark color and texture:
The bark on mature trees is grayish-black and deeply furrowed.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:
Leaves are alternate, simple, 2 to 5 inches long, and lobed, with an articulate (earlobe-like) base. They are dark green to blue-green above and lighter beneath. They have very little fall color.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size:
Male flowers hang downward in clusters and female flowers are inconspicuous spikes in leaf axils. They are not ornamentally important.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:
One inch long acorns are enclosed by a warty cap attached to a 4 inch long stalk. They are shiny brown when mature. Trees may not produce acorns until they are 20 to 30 years old.
Plant care:
English oak is best planted in well-drained soil in full sun. This tree is pH tolerant and is somewhat tolerant of salt spray. Prune oaks in the dormant season to avoid attracting beetles that may carry oak wilt.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
Anthracnose, powdery mildew, and oak wilt are potential problems for English oak.
Upright English oak (Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’):
This variety is an upright, columnar tree reaching 50 to 60 feet high and 10 to 15 feet wide.
Related hybrids
Crimson Spire™ oak (Quercus ‘Crimschmidt’):
This is a hybrid between English oak (Quercus robur) and white oak (Quercus alba). It was selected for a narrow form (15 feet wide) and good red fall color. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions.
Heritage® Macdaniel’s oak (Quercus x macdaniellii ‘Clemson’):
This is a hybrid between bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and English oak (Quercus robur). The dark green foliage of this hybrid is resistant to powdery mildew. Fall color is yellow.
Kindred Spirit® Ware’s oak (Quercus x wareii ‘Nadler’):
This is a cross between a cultivar of English oak (Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’) and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor). It is a columnar cultivar, growing 40 feet high by 6 feet wide with red-orange fall color. It is resistant to drought and powdery mildew.
Regal Prince® Ware’s oak (Quercus x wareii ‘Long’):
This is a cross between a cultivar of English oak (Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’) and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor). It has a narrow habit, growing 45 feet high and 20 to 25 feet wide. It has excellent resistance to borers and powdery mildew. It has yellow fall color.
