canopy layer
english oak
quercus robur
the keystone of temperate ecosystems — a mature oak hosts more life than any other native tree. slow, patient structure for the outermost canopy.
functions
field guide
native to
Europe, western Asia, north Africa
height
20–40 m
spread
to 25 m
hardiness
RHS H7 · USDA 4–8
light
full sun
moisture
moderate
soil
deep loam, tolerates clay
uses
in the kitchen
acorns are edible once their tannins are leached out, then dried and ground into a flour
traditional medicine
the bark is strongly astringent (high in tannins) and was used traditionally on wounds
historical & folk use — not medical advice.
harvest
acorns in autumn as they fall
propagation
sow fresh acorns in autumn — they die if allowed to dry out
season
open the calendar →grower's notes
memberspropagation, guild role, and deeper ecology for english oak — the members' view.
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relationships — grows well with
see english oak on the relationship map →the takeaway
start a guild around english oak
plant these together and the relationships on this page start working for you — feeders, protectors, and cover, layer by layer.
- canopy
- english oak — the anchor
- shrub
- hazel
- groundcover
- wild strawberry
- herbaceous
- comfrey (bocking 14)
works inside: nurse tree establishment
design patterns using this plant