The oak is one of the most important forest trees native to us. For centuries the tree has been a symbol of strength and stability. This is probably why his leaves can be found on coins. How well do you really know this tree?
What is the profile of an oak tree?
Profile of the oak tree (Quercus): important forest tree, over 600 species, up to 40m high, up to 1000 years old, strong root system, light-loving, versatile use of the wood. Common German species are English oak, downy oak, swamp oak, sessile oak and oak oak.
Name and species richness
Oaks belong to the beech family, their botanical name is Quercus. This genus contains more than 600 species, all of which differ more or less from each other.
Dissemination
The main distribution area of the oak is the northern hemisphere of the world, where species diversity is greatest and it is one of the most important deciduous tree species.
Some oak species can also be found in North America, Central America, Eurasia and North Africa.
Most common species in Germany
There are around 30 species of oak in Germany. The frontrunner - measured in terms of the degree of distribution - is the English oak, also known as the German oak. Other important species are:
- Downy Oak
- Swamp oak
- Sessile Oak
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Height and age
The oak can grow up to 40 m high and be 1000 years old. But these are top values that are not achieved by every tree or species. The common oaks and sessile oaks that are common in this country reach a high age of up to 800 years and develop into stately trees under ideal conditions.
Trunk and bark
The oak trunk becomes stronger over the years and can reach a circumference of up to 8 m. However, there are also significant differences between the individual oak species, which are also reflected in their shape. Some grow straight, others crooked.
The bark is thin and light colored when young. Over the years the color darkens until it reaches a shade of brown. Then the bark has long since turned into a thick and cracked bark.
Root system
The oak forms strong taproots that penetrate deep into the soil. They can reach a length of up to 40 m. This means that the root system can be as powerful as the crown of the tree. That's why the oak is also considered storm-proof. The root system is complemented by finer roots that extend wider.
leaves
The oak leaves grow new every year. For us, this happens between April and June, depending on the weather. The leaves of all oak species have so-called indentations, apart from that they all look slightly different.
- They come in different shades of green
- Length and shape vary
Flowers
The oak flowers appear after approx. 60 years and then at intervals of 2 to 7 years. The flower buds sprout at the same time as the leaves. Both male and female can be admired on every oak tree.
- male flowers are on hanging, 2-4 cm long catkins
- female flowers are smaller and button-shaped
Fruits and seeds
The fruits of the oak trees are the acorns that we find underneath the tree in autumn. Each of them has one or occasionally two seeds inside.
The fruits can be fed to pigs, while other farm animals have less tolerance to them. They used to be used to make a coffee substitute and acorn bread. Of course, they are also wonderful craft materials (€20.00 on Amazon) for children.
Propagation
The fallen acorn remains viable for about six months. Anyone can grow an oak tree themselves. In spring, an undamaged specimen is planted in a pot so that a new tree can develop from it.
Location and soil
The oak is a light tree that doesn't like shady places. When it comes to the ideal floor, the adaptable oak doesn't make any great demands. However, it should definitely be loose so that your taproot can find its way into the depths more easily.
Diseases and pests
Diseases that commonly occur on oak trees:
- Oak Fire Sponge
- Oak mildew
- Cancer
- Bark burn
The most common pest species are:
- Green oak moth
- Common frost moth
- Oak Processionary Moth
- Gypsy moth
- Oak jewel beetle
Benefit/Toxicity
Oak wood is strong and durable, which is why it is an important economic asset. Furniture is mainly made from it.
The leaves and fruits of the oak are not poisonous, but are very bitter. That's why the bitter substances are first removed from the acorns before they are used in the kitchen as oak flour.
