A tree 25 m or more tall. Leaves auricled at the base, ovate, 3.5-11.5 cm long, sinuately lobed or pinnatifid or -partite; lobes obtuse, upper surface dark green, lower pale green; petiole 4-6 mm long. Male flowers in lax catkins, 4-5.7 cm long; perianth segments lanceolate, c. 1.8 mm long, tomentose; stamens 4-9, filaments 1.5 mm long. Female flowers on stout peduncles; styles c. 1 mm long; stigma subcapitate. Acorn 2-2.4 cm long, glabrescent, yellowish-brown, 1/3 to 1/2 enclosed by the cupule, hemispherical, 2-2.2 cm broad, pubescent; scales broadly ovate, acute.

Fl. Per.: April-May; Fr.Per.: Aug.

Type: Described from Europe.

Distribution: Temperate and S. Europe, Turkey, N. Iran, Caucasus, occasionally cultivated in N. America.

The ‘English Oak’ is occasionally cultivated here at hill stations up to 2200 m. It grows well in areas of light snowfall. A variable tree as regards the size, shape and the degree of incision of the leaves. The tannin in the bark is used in leather industry. The wood is used for construction.