Quercus robur
The English oak was widespread in the region of Estonia approximately 6,000 years ago. Due to subsequent cooling of the climate and clearing of oak forests for farmland, only remnants remain of the once large oak woods. Global warming may have a favourable effect on the condition of the oak again.
Estonia’s oldest and thickest oak tree, the Tamme-Lauri Oak, grows in Urvaste, Võru County. It is estimated to be about 700 years old and its trunk is over eight metres in circumference.
The fruits of the oak – the acorns, or oaknuts – are unique among Estonia’s native plant species. They differ from the similar-looking hazelnuts by their leathery shell and cup-shaped cupule.
The durable wood of the oak has found application in the past in various areas of life. Today, it has proven indispensable in the production of alcohol barrels and is valued in furniture manufacturing due to its beautiful grain pattern.