Quercus robur

The English oak (Quercus robur) is one of two species of oak found growing natively in Great Britain. It is a large tree growing to 30m (100ft), sometimes more, with a large spreading crown when growing in the open. Woodland trees tend to be narrower and taller. Parkland and open grown trees can attain very old age, with some thought to be 1,000 years old, and develop massive, hollow trunks. The lobed leaves are around 5-7cm long and have short stalks. The acorns arise on long stalks and measure 2-2.5cm long. Compared to the sessile oak (Quercus petraea), the English oak (Quercus robur) can be identified by its short leaf stalks and long acorn stalks. Other differences include larger, more symmetrical leaves on sessile oak; although natural variation within species can make these characteristics more difficult to differentiate.