English oak Quercus robur
English oak (Quercus robur) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fagaceae family, native to Europe, the Caucasus and Asia Minor. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 15–25 m (49–82 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
Plan English oak in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
English oak at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe, the Caucasus and Asia Minor |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇮🇪 Ireland |
Is English oak toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: acorns, young leaves, bark
Tannins in raw acorns and leaves cause stomach and kidney problems in pets, and are a classic hazard for horses and livestock.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with English oak
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Shared pests and diseases
- Phytophthora ramorum: Sudden oak death pathogen; rhododendron, viburnum, camellia and pieris spread it to oaks and larch. Evidence B
See English oak in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (2 plants)
Questions about English oak
- How far apart should I plant English oak?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 m (49–82 ft).
- Does English oak need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does English oak need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is English oak?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- Is English oak poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Tannins in raw acorns and leaves cause stomach and kidney problems in pets, and are a classic hazard for horses and livestock.
- What grows well with English oak?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for English oak. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A very large, long-lived tree; supports hundreds of insect species. Only suitable for large gardens.
- Acorns come in irregular heavy mast years every 2-7 years.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- European beech Fagus sylvatica
- Holm oak Quercus ilex
- Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia
- Cork oak Quercus suber
- Northern red oak Quercus rubra
- White oak Quercus alba