Description

A large, deciduous tree potentially reaching a mature height of between 20 to 40m, with a magnificent broad crown and strong branches beneath. Dark green, rounded and lobed foliage, smooth at the edges, turns reddish-brown in autumn. Inconspicuous, long, yellow-green catkins appear in spring, followed by green acorns, ripening to brown, around 2-2.5 cm long. 

Facts and Figures

Our national tree, thanks to its extraordinary height, venerable age and legendary strength

The Canynge Square oak has an estimated age of 51 years, as at July 2024.  When it reaches 100 years old the tree will move to adulthood, after 700 years the tree has reached old age and at 1,000 years of age the tree will start to die.

The Oak flowers from April to May. The male flowers are green and inconspicuous, growing in clusters along a stalk. Pollen from the male is blown by the wind to the female flower which then forms the seed (acorn).

It supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK; even its fallen leaves support biodiversity.

Wood

Oakwood is used to build household furniture including doors, chairs, tables and furniture, and even floors.

Wine barrels are stored in white oak barrels and even aged in them with enhancement in flavors. Cork in oak wood is used primarily to seal several wine bottles.

Health

Certain oak bark has huge medical properties that aid in the treatment of a plethora of health conditions. Oak is included in creams and tea for its properties in curing kidney stones.

Wildlife

The acorns are eaten by numerous wildlife, including badgers and deer, although we might just see the odd squirrel having a feast.

Myths and Legends

Druids in Celtic Britain held the oak tree sacred, and gathered mistletoe from its boughs for their secret rites. Ever since those days, the English oak has been the “king” of British trees.

It is said Charles II hid from Roundheads in an oak tree during the English Civil War. Since then, Royal Oak Day on 29 May has been celebrated.

King Arthur’s round table was reputedly made from one slice of a giant oak, echoing both the oak’s and Arthur’s status as protectors of Britain

When HMS Victory was built more than 250 years ago, it required the wood of more than 2,000 oak trees to complete the man o'war.