subject: History of the Oak Tree [print this page] History of the Oak Tree History of the Oak Tree
Over the centuries the Oak tree has been subjected to a great deal of variation and now there are over 400 hundred species. Oak trees can now be found as far afield as Java, in the Mountains of Mexico and in South America. In Britain our once proud parks and forests are slowly being eroded and re-planted with a growing number of Oaks from foreign origins. The two main varieties of Oak trees native to England are the English or Common oak and the Sessile or Durmast Oak.The Common oak is identified by having acorns in 1's and 2's attached to its twigs by long stalks, the leaves having hardly any stalk at all. The Sessile' leaves are bigger and are borne on long stalks while its acorns are attached to the bough instead of stalks. The Sessile variety of Oak is generally found in the lower parts of Britain and North Wales, and doesn't live as long as the Common Oak. Its wood is of a straighter fibre with a finer grain, and is generally thought to be less tough and less resisting than the Common oak.
The longest established variety of the foreign Oak now grown in Britain, is the Evergreen or Holm Oak, which is common found to the south of England and Europe. The origin of the name "Holm" is translated from Anglo-Saxon as the term for "Holly", for it can often be found growing in close proximity to it, as well as sporting Holly shaped leaves. The Turkey Oak is the most prolific of the foreign Oaks introduce into Britain. This tall and majestic tree when fully grown produces abundant acorns in mossy cups.
The Oak in general is a slow growing tree of imposing stature and lives to an incredible age. On average the tree will reach heights of 110 feet (33 meters) with girths of some 30 40 feet (9 12 meters). The strength and elasticity of the Oak make it particularly valuable for house building and shipbuilding. The "Wooden Walls of England" is an old phrase of many connotations; one meaning refers to the stately homes of England, which gave rise to another phrase "Hearts of Oak", for the Englishman literally made his home from Oak. Many of the old Manor Houses still standing were constructed using huge oaken beams, walls were decorated with fancy Oak carved panels, and large solid Oak doors secured the house from intruders and unwanted visitors. Oak was also used in the building and construction of Churches and Cathedrals; indeed the roof beams of Westminster Abbey are made from Sessile Oak.
After the Oak has passed its first century, it's growth increases by less than an inch a year. This slowness of growth matures the wood in such a fashion that it becomes practically indestructible. As a timber, the most valued qualities of the Oak are its hardness and toughness. While the Ebony tree may be harder, and the Yew and Ash tree tougher, none of these trees possess both these qualities to such a degree as the English Oak. Although no longer used for building of ships of war, it is still in great demand for other purposes, sharing with Ash in the making of railway carriages and other forms of transport.
As well as its strength for building purposes, the Oak is much prized for the beauty of its grain and texture, and the richness of its colouring after polishing. As such it is considered the favourite wood of carpenters and cabinetmakers for use in panelling of doors and furniture. Stunning cupboards, chests, tables and chairs were and still are made of Oak, and due to the woods durability many of these have survived down through the centuries. Initially pale brown in colour, Oak wood darkens with age giving it character that only gets better with age.
