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Quercus robur |
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 TreesPropagationPlantings |
Quercus
robur is a large crowned deciduous tree reaching up to 35m in height. Growing in woodlands
and lowland on heavy fertile soils. Dull green leaves with 4-7 unequal lobes, 5-12cm long
growing alternately along its stems without stalks. Appearing at the same time as
the leaves in late April, are clusters of pale yellow male catkins and tiny female
flowers at the tips of shoots. Nuts in small scaled cups on stalks called acorns appear in
late September, they are green ripening brown. Oak wood is a strong and durable timber and
was the main ingredient in boat and house construction. The English oak has been the
king of British trees hence its name robur meaning sturdy . |
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 This oak is
sacred to the Druids and mistletoe from from it was used in secret rites.
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Crops vary from year to year Collect nuts
from tree or ground when brown after the first frosts. Sow straight away to a depth
of 10cm, in spring remove top 5cm and they should shoot in late April, protect from
predators