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English oak is a majestic tree with a very wide spreading crown, a short sturdy trunk, and deeply fissured gray brown bark. It can grow to 140 ft (42.7 m) tall with a rounded spread of 80 ft (24.4 m) or more, but is usually smaller in cultivation. English oak has small deciduous leaves, 3-5 in (7.6-12.7 cm) long, with 3-7 pairs of rounded lobes, and extremely short petioles (leaf stems). They remain deep green long into autumn before turning brown and then persisting on the tree well into winter. The typical oak flowers are hanging catkins which appear with the emerging leaves in early spring. The acorns are elongate, about 1 in (2.5 cm) long, with a cup that covers 1/3 of the nut. They are borne singly or in clusters of 2-5 which dangle on a single long 1-4 in (5.1-10.2 cm) peduncle. English oak can be distinguished from the similar North American species, white oak (Q. alba), by its leaves which have earlike lobes on the bases and extremely short petioles. There are several named subspecies and varieties, and many selections of English oak, as well as hybrids with other species, are offered in the trade. One reference lists more than 100 cultivars. The young foliage of 'Concordia' is bright yellow. 'Fastigiata' (upright English oak) has erect branches and a narrow pyramidal form. 'Pendula' has a weeping habit. 'Nigra' has purplish foliage. 'Variegata' has leaves with white margins. 'Holophylla' has leaves without lobes. 'Crimschmidt' is a hybrid between English oak and white oak; it has a fastigiate habit and foliage that turns reddish in autumn.
English oak is native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. It was a major component of the original forest in England. It is widely planted in Europe as a landscape specimen and shade tree. It was brought to the American Colonies from England in the 17th century. It is widely planted in Canada and the northern U.S. and has escaped and reproduced on its own in a few areas.
Culture
English oak is used as a shade tree or a specimen tree in larger landscapes. It is popular in Europe, Canada and the northeastern U.S. The species and most cultivars of English oak are best suited for parks and other large areas. Upright English oak (cv. 'Fastigiata') is a good substitute for lombardy poplar if you want a deciduous cone shaped accent tree. Some of the hybrids involving this species and various American oaks are gaining in popularity. The wood has been a valuable commodity for centuries, and during Britain's reign on the High Seas, many a sailing ship was made from the fine hard wood of English oak. Throughout the British Isles many ancient English oaks have their own names.
Features 11/20/00; updated 11/12/03
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