Oak tree

When: All year round, in its various wonderful stages

Scientific name: Quercus robur

Gaelic name: Darach

Height: Between 20 - 40m tall

Where: In woodlands, parks and gardens. 

"Up a Lazy River by the old mill run
That lazy lazy river in the noon day sun
Linger in the shade of an old oak tree
Throw away your troubles, dream..."

The mighty oak tree has been a symbol of strength and wonder in many cultures over the milennia. Not only is it spiritually important, but ecologically the oak tree supports many different species of bird, insect, mammal, bat, fungi and other plants! Living for up to 1000 years, this species has developed fascinating adaptations that help it to flourish over its lifetime.

Following the year of an oak tree, it is possible to see the first leaf-bursts in mid May, with the growth of yellow catkins (an oak tree's 'flowers') that distribute pollen over the summer, until acorns form in autumn, falling to the ground in an attempt to germinate the following spring, creating new oak saplings! An oak will generally not start to grow acorns until it's 40th year, reproducing until it is around 120 years old. Of course, many of these acorns do not get the chance to grow, as they are often snaffled by squirrels, mice and other mammals looking for a tasty meal.

Many insects also take advantage of the many rich resources the oak tree has to offer. Some wasps for example, inject the oak with a chemical that creates an abnormal growth in the wood called a gall. These galls are actually small nurseries for the wasp larvae, and when crushed and mixed with other chemicals, can be made into a kind of ink. Some of the most important documents in history have been written with oak-gall ink, including Newton's scientific theories, Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical drawings and some of Mozart's compositions. No wonder this is the tree of god, man and beast alike!

More information on this venerable tree can be found at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/english-oak/

Quote taken from Lazy River by Brenda Lee, Image: Jodie Randall, RSPB Images