For those of you who follow Woodland Ways on Facebook, you may have seen the team’s social gathering in August, when Jason had arranged with Lord & Lady Manners for us to have a tour of Haddon Hall and the grounds. Whilst walking through the Deer Park, a unique habitat, the team were introduced to a tree, clearly an oak by its lobed leaves, but one I had not come across before. This blog, is me discovering more about that species.
In writing this, I have discovered there are some 600 species of oaks worldwide, which is a bit more than the two I have focused on during my apprenticeship with Woodland Ways, those being:
1. English Oak (Quercus robur) - The English Oak is perhaps the most recognizable oak species in the UK. It is a broad-leaved deciduous tree, attaining heights of up to 40 meters. The tree is characterized by its large, lobed leaves which are deep green in colour and have a glossy surface.Identification Features:
- Leaves: Deeply lobed, often with 5-7 lobes on each leaf, which can reach lengths of 10-15cm.
- Flowers: The flowers appear in April and May, with male catkins hanging pendulously and female flowers appearing as small clusters.
- Fruits: The acorns are approximately 2-3 cm long, maturing over two seasons and typically found in pairs on a long thin peduncle.
- Bark: The bark is thick and coarse, greyish-brown in colour, becoming deeply fissured with age.
2. Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) - Often found in the wetter, cooler regions of the UK, the Sessile Oak is quite similar to the English Oak but has its distinct attributes. It prefers acidic soils and is typically found in hilly and mountainous areas.
Identification Features:
- Leaves: The leaves are similar in shape to those of the English Oak but have a petiole (the stalk that connects the leaf to the stem), up to 3 cms long.
- Flowers: Like the English Oak, its flowers bloom in clusters during the spring.
- Fruits: The acorns are usually longer and slenderer than those found on Quercus robur, often maturing in single acorns rather than pairs and attached directly to the twig without a peduncle, hence Sessile.
- Bark: The bark is also greyish-brown, but tends to be smoother compared to the English Oak in its youth.
The way I remember the differences between these two species is based around the leaf, acorn (seed), and which has the petiole (stalk). Sessile Oak has a Single Seed Stalk Less SeSSiLe. Remembering that, it is then the opposite in regards to the stalk for the other part, which means the Sessile Oak has leaves with a stalk. And it is the complete opposite for the English Oak, i.e. no leaf stalk (eNgLiSh) and the acorns therefore are attached to the twig with a stalk (often in pairs).
Back to the Red Oak (Quercus rubra), it is native to North America, and has found its way to various temperate regions, including parts of Europe, though it is not native to the UK. In this blog post, we’ll explore key identification features, natural habitat, and additional resources.
Key Identification Features
Bark - The bark of the Red Oak is a defining characteristic. It is dark grey to brown in colour and develops shallow fissures and ridges as it matures. Younger trees may display smoother, lighter bark, while older specimens exhibit a rougher texture. This unique bark pattern aids in identifying the tree, especially when compared to other oak species.
Image curtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Leaves - The leaves of the Red Oak are another distinguishing feature. They are typically 10-22cm long, lobed, and have sharp, pointed tips. Each leaf usually has 7 to 11 lobes with bristle-like tips, giving them a serrated appearance. They are attached with a peduncle to the twig. In spring, the leaves emerge with a bright green colour, turning a vibrant red or russet in autumn, providing a stunning seasonal display.
Image curtesy of Pixabay
Acorns - Red Oak acorns are relatively large compared to other oak species, measuring about 2-2.5cm in length, on a short, 1cm peduncle. They have a distinctive, shallow cup that covers about one-quarter of the nut. The acorns mature in two growing seasons and are an important food source for wildlife, including squirrels and various bird species.
Image curtesy of Pixabay
Flowers - In spring, the Red Oak's flowers emerge as small, yellowish-green clusters. The male flowers form as catkins, while the female flowers appear in small clusters at the tips of branches. Although the flowers are not particularly showy, they play a critical role in the reproduction of the tree.
Image curtesy of JR Crellin www.floralimages.co.uk
Buds - The winter buds of the Red Oak are another key feature. They are pointed and reddish-brown, often smooth, without hairs or projections, with a rounded tip that helps distinguish them from other oaks. Buds are arranged alternately along the twig, aiding in identification during winter months.
Image curtesy of JR Crellin www.floralimages.co.uk
Habitat - Red Oaks thrive in a variety of habitats, favouring well-drained, acidic soils typically found in upland forests, mixed woodlands, and along stream banks. They can often be found in regions with full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. The tree prefers climates with warm summers and can withstand cold winters, making it adaptable to various environmental conditions.
In the UK, Red Oak has been introduced and is commonly found in parks, gardens, and arboretums, where it is appreciated for its ornamental value and shade-providing qualities. However, being non-native, it can potentially compete with local flora and disrupt local ecosystems if it becomes too prevalent.
Conservation and Availability - In many areas, Red Oak is valued not just for its aesthetic appeal, but also for its timber. It is used in furniture-making and flooring, known for its durability and striking grain. Due to its ecological importance and high-quality wood, conservation efforts focus on ensuring responsible harvesting and maintaining its natural habitats.
For more information on the Red Oak, consult the following references:
- USDA Forest Service: Quercus rubra
- The Arbor Day Foundation: Red Oak