by Amy Holguin (Dept of Biology) and Patricia Bond (Dept of English and Related Literature) 

Ecologically, oaks are "keystone species," meaning they play a disproportionately large role in their ecosystem. They support more life forms than any other native tree species in the UK, hosting over 2,300 different species of wildlife. This includes hundreds of insect species (especially caterpillars), fungi, lichens, and providing food and shelter for mammals like squirrels, deer, and badgers, and birds like jays.

A single mature oak tree can produce anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 acorns in a year, though it often takes them 30-40 years to start producing acorns at all. Despite this abundance, only about one in 10,000 acorns will grow into a mature oak tree. Oaks are slow-growing trees. It's often said that an oak takes "300 years to grow, 300 years to live, and 300 years to die."

Culturally, oaks are similarly important. The Celtic Druids held oak groves as sacred places for their religious rites. The word "Druid" itself may derive from a Celtic word meaning "knower of the oak tree." Mistletoe, a plant often found growing on oaks, was also considered highly potent and magical by the Druids.

Ancient kings and Roman commanders wore crowns of oak leaves as a symbol of their power and authority. This tradition continued, with oak leaves still used as decorative icons of military prowess today. In England, the oak is a national symbol, and "Royal Oak Day" was celebrated to commemorate King Charles II hiding in an oak tree after a battle. Still today, the oak tree or acorns are featured on many emblems, symbolising strength, endurance and longevity. Acorns are depicted on the National Trust’s logo, representing the charity’s commitment to protect places of natural beauty and historic interest. And around 500 pubs across the UK are called the Royal Oak, two of which can be found in York. The name refers to the oak tree where King Charles II hid during the English Civil War. 

contributed by Patricia Bond, Department of English and Related Literature

A Dialogue between an Oake, and a Man cutting him downe. 

Why cut you off my Bows, which largely bend,

And from the scorching Sun you do defend?

Which did refresh your fainting Limbs from sweat,

And kept you free from Thund'ring Rains and Wet;

When on my Bark your weary Head you'ld lay,

Where quiet Sleep did take all Cares away;

The whilst my Leaves a gentle Noise did make,

And blew cool Winds that you fresh Air might take?

Besides, I did invite the Birds to Sing,

That their sweet Voice might you some pleasure bring,

Where every one did strive to do their best,

Oft chang'd their Notes and strain'd their tender Breast;

In Winter time my Shoulders broad did hold

Off blustering Storms, that wounded with sharp Cold;

And on my Head the Flakes of Snow did fall,

Whilst you under my Bows sat free from all:

And shall thus be requited my good will,

That you will take my Life, and Body kill? 

For all my Care and Service I have past,

Must I be Cut and laid on Fire at last?

See how true Love you Cruelly have slain,

And try'd all ways to Torture me with pain;

First you do peel my Bark, and flay my Skin,

Chop off my Limbs, and leave me nak'd and thin,

With wedges you do peirce my Sides to wound,

And with your Hatchet knock me to the ground;

I minc'd shall be in Chips and Pieces small,

And this doth Man reward good Deeds withall.

Man. 

Why grumblest thou, old Oake, when thou hast stood

 This hundred yeares, as King of all the Wood.

 Would you for ever live, and not resigne 

Your Place to one that is of your owne Line? 

Your Acornes young, when they grow big, and tall,

 Long for your Crowne, and wish to see your fall; 

Thinke every minute lost, whilst you do live,

 And grumble at each Office you do give.

Ambitien flieth high, and is above 

All sorts of Friend-ship strong, or Natur all Love. 

Besides, all Subjects they in Change delight,

 When Kings grow Old, their Government they slight: 

Although in ease, and peace, and wealth do live,

 Yet all those happy times for Change will give.

 Growes discontent, and Factions still do make;

 What Good so ere he doth, as Evill take.

 Were he as wise, as ever Nature made, As pious, good, as ever Heaven 

Yet when they dye, such Joy is in their Face, 

As if the Devill had gone from that place. 

With Shouts of Joy they run a new to Crowne, 

Although next day they strive to pull him downe. 

Read the full text at the University of Michigan Digital Collections