Everyone recognizes an oak tree – do you think? However, it's not quite that simple. The leaves in particular look very different depending on the species. How you can identify the most common oak species in Germany.
How do I recognize the different types of oak in Germany?
To identify an oak tree, pay attention to its growth, trunk, bark, leaf shape and acorn. English oaks (Quercus robur) and sessile oaks (Quercus petraea) are the most common in Germany and differ in leaf shape, fruit set and size.
Characteristics for identifying oak trees
- Growth
- Tribe
- Bark
- Leaf shape
- Fruit (acorn)
The growth
Most oak species have a very gnarled growth habit. The branches grow at different heights and are often curved or appear to be bent.
The Tribe
The trunk grows to a considerable size over the years. In some species it is straight with a high crown base. Other oak varieties form a trunk with bulges.
The Bark
It is one of the oak's most significant identifying characteristics. When young, the bark is smooth and light in color. Over time the color changes to a brown-grey tone. The bark tears severely and forms patterns on the surface.
The leaf shape
The typical oak leaf is elongated with several indentations. It can be green like the English oak and sessile oak or red like the red oak.
Oaks do not lose all their leaves in autumn like other deciduous trees. The dried leaves often remain hanging until spring and are only gradually shed. Many of the dry leaves only fall when new foliage forms.
The Acorn
The fruit of the oak is a nut, the acorn. It is elongated and brown or reddish in color when ripe. The cap that covers the glans at one end is very typical. Ripe fruits detach themselves from the cap.
Difference between English oak and sessile oak
The trunk and growth habit are very similar. You can recognize a sessile oak because there are a lot of fruits with short stems on a branch.
The leaves of the sessile oak have a stem that is two to three centimeters long. The leaf shape is more pointed and the indentations are less pronounced than in the English oak.
Sessile oaks don't grow quite as big as English oaks.
Tips & Tricks
Oak trees belong to the beech family. The botanical name is Quercus. The two most common species in Germany are the English oak (Quercus robur) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea).