| Common Oak (Quercus robur)
Pedunculate Oak, Common oak, Irish Dair (Family - Fagaceae)
Description: Large decidious tree and probably our commonest tree. Height: 30 - 40 m. Age: 1000 years or more.
Where found: Basic fertile soils (ph 4.5 - 7.5) including heavy soils. Mature trees tolerate flooding even by sea water. Usually found in mixed woodland. Natural distribution throughout Britain, Ireland and most of Western europe and asia Minor.
Phenology:
Flowers: March & April
Leaves: April
Fruit: October
Ripen: November
Fall: November
Uses past & present: Pale brown strong wood. More suscetible to epicormic growth. Uses of wood - Depending on size and quality used for sawn timber, veneer, building timber, hardwood pulp, poles, fencing, firewood and charcoal. Coppicing of woodland used to produce stakes. Food & drink - Tannin used to be produced from bark for tanning leather. Wines and spirits matured in English Oak casts. Acorns formerly used to feed pigs.
Propagation & growth: Seeds not dormant. Keep cool and dry until time for planting. Will germinate if moist but only product leaves in spring. Can be planted as soon as collected. Approx 110 - 450 seeds per Kg. Initially shoots grow May through to June and again July through to August if protected and weeded. |
