Oaks - Tree Guide UK - Oak tree identification

Oak tree identification

Oaks are in the genus Quercus which is in the Beech family. There are more than 600 species worldwide. There are two native oaks in Britain, the English Oak and the Sessile Oak . Three more oaks are shown here but there are many more species in parks, urban settings or botanical gardens in Britain. These five species show many of the key characteristics of the oak genus. Oak tree identification – English, Sessile,Turkey have lobed leaves, Holm and Cork have evergreen leaves, all 5 have male catkins and acorns.

Leaves are often but not always lobed, male and female flowers are on the same tree. Male flowers are on catkins and release pollen onto the wind. Female flowers are tiny and difficult to see. Fruits are in the form of acorns with nuts sitting in ‘cups’. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

The English Oak is the dominant tree in most of Britain, particularly on the richer soils in valley bottoms. It has been planted everywhere in parks, gardens, deer parks and woods. The English Oak is also known as the Pedunculate Oak because its acorns have stalks (known as ‘peduncles’ by botanists).

The Sessile Oak is also known as the Durmast Oak, a name that is possibly related to the feeding of pigs on acorn and beechnuts, known as ‘mast’. In Britain it is more common than the English Oak in upland areas in the North and West and is often found in woodlands on well-drained hillsides.

The Turkey Oak is native to Southern Europe and Turkey and was introduced to Britain in 1735. At the time it was thought that it would be a fast-growing source of timber. In fact the wood turned out to be too brittle but the tree has since spread and is frequently found in parks, woods and hedgerows.

The Holm Oak is an evergreen oak – revered by the Ancient Greeks – introduced from Southern Europe to Britain in about 1500. It is now common in parks and gardens. Its leaves vary in shape, with some looking like holly leaves. Holm is an old word for Holly. Its acorn sits in a cup that looks like it is covered in felt. Male catkins hang down in early summer.

The Cork Oak is an evergreen tree that is native to southern Europe and north-west Africa. It was introduced to Britain in the 1690s. The tree is cultivated in its native lands for its bark, which provides a renewable source of cork for wine bottles and flooring.