Spot a tree today

The oak

The oak is the most common British tree, and one that most people can recognise, with its wiggly-edged leaves and acorns in autumn. Having said that, a recent survey showed that 44% of people asked couldn't recognise an oak tree. There are over 300 varieties.

Historically oaks were used for shipbuilding, and their acorns were used as pig-fattening fodder. Oaks were sacred to ancient Greeks, the Norse and the Celts.

In Latin: Quercus robur