There are an estimated 600 oak species. They are among the oldest deciduous trees in the world.
Oak species: Important information about them
Many oak species can be found in the northern hemisphere. They occur, for example, in North America, Europe, Eurasia and North Africa. The history of the oak goes back 12 million years. The trees can live up to 1,000 years. How many species of oak there are can only be estimated: there are said to be around 600. The common oak, also known as the German oak, is widespread in Germany and large parts of Europe. There are also other well-known oak species.
- English oak: The English oak (Quercus robur), which is widespread in Europe, is mainly found in mixed forests and riparian forests. When fully grown, it can reach a height of 40 m. The robust tree is recognizable by its broad crown and deeply grooved bark. The wood is water-resistant and therefore well suited for building ships or bridges.
- Sessile oak: The sessile oak (Quercus petraea), which is also widespread in Europe, can be found in lowlands and low mountain ranges. It prefers mild climatic conditions, which is why it is not found on the North Sea coast, for example. The conical tree crown is high arched, the trunk goes all the way to the top. Their trunk diameter can be 2 m.
- Steineiche: The holm oak (Quercus ilex) grows in the Mediterranean region, e.g. B. in Portugal, Türkiye and Tunisia. The evergreen tree has leathery, dark green leaves and an asymmetrical crown. The acorns are eaten by the Iberian pigs, known for Iberico ham. The slow-growing tree reaches a height of 25-30 m.
- White oak: The North American white oak (Quercus alba) stands out as the state tree of some US states such as Connecticut and Maryland. It grows almost throughout the eastern United States. What is striking is its expansive crown and light gray bark. Their wood is very durable and is used for furniture construction such as country-house style cabinets or wooden floors.
- Flumeich: The downy oak (Quercus pubescens) is native to many parts of Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus. The relatively small trees with the gnarled appearance grow under extreme conditions such as on slopes or in drought. From an ecological perspective, they are therefore of particular importance in the wake of climate change.
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Oak species are widespread in the northern hemisphere.
Oak species are widespread in the northern hemisphere.
The oak leaves are elongated, with prominent veins and rounded ends.
The oak leaves are elongated, with prominent veins and rounded ends.
Acorns are the fruits of the oak tree.
Acorns are the fruits of the oak tree.
Future: The death of the oak trees in Germany
The typical oaks in Germany such as the German oak are suffering from increasing drought and heat due to climate change. Some people take the forest for granted, which is also reflected in the littering in the forests. However, if the forests are reduced, this will have a significant impact on nature, people and animals.
- The lack of water makes the trees more susceptible to pests. These bore into the bark and eat away the leaves. The trees are less able to defend themselves against it.
- Only 19 percent of the oak trees in Germany are said to still be healthy. According to the forest condition survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 2023, 4 out of 5 trees of the most common tree species in Germany, such as oak, beech, spruce and pine, are diseased.
- The oak tree provides a habitat for numerous animals. Birds find shelter in the hollows of trees. The oak serves as a source of food and shelter for many insects. Jays and squirrels feed on the fruits. When the oak trees die, it has a direct impact on wildlife.
- It is important to see the forest with different eyes in the future. Until now, the wood of the trees was mainly seen as a raw material. The important function of forests as part of the ecosystem must be given more emphasis. Books about the forests provide information about this.