Also known as Pedunculate Oak, English Oak, European Oak
English oaks are majestic, broad-crowned trees that serve as the cornerstone of European temperate woodlands. A single mature tree can support hundreds of insect species, nesting birds, and specialized fungi within its deeply furrowed bark and sprawling canopy. They are easily distinguished from other oaks by their acorns, which dangle from long, slender stalks.
ThreatsOak decline, habitat fragmentation, and acute oak decline
HabitatsLowland forests, woodlands, parklands, and hedgerows
Life span500 to 1,000 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
Speciesquercus robur
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Acorns and leaves contain tannins toxic to horses and dogs; keep pets from chewing them.
Why it is dangerous
Leaves and acorns contain high concentrations of tannins, which can cause severe kidney damage and gastrointestinal illness in dogs, horses, and cattle.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its deeply lobed leaves with ear-like bases and acorns hanging from long, slender stalks.
What to do
Keep livestock and pets away from fallen acorns and autumn leaf litter.
Responsible observation
Look for the stalks: Identify this tree by its acorns, which dangle on long stalks called peduncles.
Check the leaves: Look for very short leaf stalks and ear-like lobes at the base of the leaf blade.
Search for galls: Inspect the leaves and twigs for bizarre growths caused by tiny gall wasps.
