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.
