What soil does English oak grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is English oak hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is English oak toxic to dogs?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs.

Is English oak toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should English oak be planted?

Plant it at least 6 m from buildings. Keep it at least 4 m from paving.

When does English oak flower?

Flowering: April–May, yellow, green.

How much water does English oak need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does English oak cost?

It sells for roughly €3.30 to €48 in local shops, depending on size.

English oak

Quercus robur

English oak (Quercus robur) is a large tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Mildly toxic to dogs and children. Sold in local shops from about €3.30.

Illustration of English oak — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A native tree that lives for centuries and grows huge, with a broad, rounded crown and lobed leaves; it is home to a great many insects and birds. It starts slowly, reaching about 6 to 7 metres in ten years, but ends up 25 to 30 metres tall and almost as wide, so plant it only in a really large garden or a park-like plot. Its deep, extensive roots take up a lot of water and can cause building subsidence on heavy clay, so keep it well away from the house; in autumn it drops plenty of acorns and slowly rotting leaves.

Watch out for

Since the 2010s the oak lace bug, introduced from North America, has caused mass damage in Central Europe: leaves fade and yellow by midsummer and drop early, and the insects may swarm over house walls and terraces; there is no effective control yet. The stinging hairs of oak processionary moth caterpillars cause severe skin rashes and breathing problems, and nests should be removed by professionals only. Powdery mildew is common on young shoots. Old trees suffer from falling groundwater levels and prolonged drought and may die back.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 7 m × 5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, yellow, green

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	7 m × 5 m
Ultimate size	20–35 m × 15–30 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	High
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 6 m
Distance from paving	at least 4 m
Litter	Fruit, Leaves
Planting distance	1500 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €3.30

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
80-100 cm	approx. €19
100-125 cm	approx. €12
125-150 cm	approx. €22
175-200 cm	approx. €10
size not stated	approx. €48

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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