Identifying characteristics:
The English oak is a large tree with a short trunk and a broad, rounded,
open head of rugged branches. Although it can reach a height of 100 feet
or more, it usually grows 40 to 60 feet in the US. The simple, alternate
leaves are 2 to 5 inches long and
are similar to the white oak (Q. alba), but more shallowly lobed,
with 3 to 5 rounded lobes on either side. Leaves are smooth, dark green
above and pale, bluish-green below, with ear-lobe-like leaf bases and very
short leaf stalks. Inconspicuous flowers
are produced in late spring-the male flowers in slender, yellowish-green,
drooping catkins and the female flowers clustered in groups of 2 to 5 near
the leaf bases. The elongated, conical acorn
is 1 to 1.5 inches long, with the cup covering one-third of the shiny, brown
nut. Acorns are produced on a slender, 2- to 5-inch-long stalk singly or
in groups. The buds are round, stout, angled and covered by reddish-brown
scales fringed with hairs. The grayish-black bark
is deeply fissured.
Similar species:
Ecology:
Distribution: This oak is native to Europe, northern Africa
and western Asia. It has been planted in North America since colonial times
and is locally naturalized in the US and Canada.
Habitat: The English oak is a medium to slow grower and is long-lived, up to centuries. It is hardy from zone 4 to 8 and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Oaks are susceptible to canker, anthracnose, rust, leaf spot, gall and borer. This species and 'Fastigiata' are especially susceptible to mildew.
Uses:
Wood: The English oak has been honored in folklore and song since
ancient times. The wood has been used in Europe for ship-building, interiors
of churches and castles, and for furniture.
Wildlife: Acorns provide a seasonal food for wild turkeys, squirrels and small rodents. Deer eat the acorns and browse the foliage. Various birds use the leaves and twigs as nesting material.
Horticulture: This species is rather large for many situations, but is widely planted in parks in Europe. It is occasionally planted in Iowa as an ornamental shade tree, but there are many fine native oaks that are equally attractive. Cultivars include 'Fastigiata,' an upright, columnar selection to 60 feet tall; 'Rose Hill,' a mildew-resistant form with glossy leaves; 'Atropurpurea,' a slow-growing selection with red-purple new growth; and 'Concordia,' with bright yellow new growth becoming green during the summer.
