Quercus robur

RHS Plant Profile
common oak

Other common names

aac, black oak, English oak, French oak, pedunculate oak, Polish oak, Slavonian oak, derwen goesog

Synonyms

Quercus pedunculata

Trees

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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