Quercus

Quercus or Oak trees are probably the first thing that spring to mind when you picture a tree, it has a special place in our culture and history.

Couples were wed under ancient oaks in the 1600's and the symbol of an 80th wedding anniversary is oak.

Oaks produce one of the hardest and most durable timbers, for this reason it has been a prized hardwood for thousands of years.

There are around 600 species of oak, with Britain having two native species.

They can be deciduous or evergreen trees, with large lobed leaves. Long, yellow hanging catkins are followed by characteristic acorns.

Where to site your Quercus

The Oak tree needs to have room for its far-reaching branches to spread and grow without hitting the house, so it is best planted at the back of the garden away from the house so it can have plenty room to grow.

How to grow and look after your Quercus

Oak can grow in a wide array of conditions from full sunlight to complete shade, and sandy soils to richer soils.