Quercus Petraea - Sessile Oak

Quercus petraea, commonly known as Sessile Oak or Durmast Oak, is a majestic native British tree traditionally found in the north and west of Britain, while the English Oak predominated in the south and east. Often regarded as the better-shaped of the two native oaks, Sessile Oak typically develops a longer, straighter trunk, a slightly narrower crown, and particularly handsome foliage.

Highly valued for both its ornamental form and exceptional conservation importance, Sessile Oak supports a vast range of wildlife and benefits from a faster growth rate than its close relative. It is long-lived, capable of reaching up to 700 years of age, and as it matures, its trunk may become hollow — providing essential habitat for birds, mammals, and insects.

Sessile Oak thrives in most soil types except shallow, poorly drained sites. It performs well in exposed and coastal locations, making it highly versatile for woodland, parkland, and landscape planting schemes.

This is the size and type we sell:

Quercus petraea Sessile Oak 40–60cm Cell Grown

Quercus petraea Sessile Oak 20–40cm 1+0

Quercus petraea Sessile Oak 40–60cm 1u1

Professionally grown and suitable for woodland creation, specimen planting, and long-term landscape projects.

Features & Benefits

Native British oak with strong conservation value

Long, straight trunk and well-shaped crown

Handsome dark green leaves with distinctive yellow stalks

Tolerates exposed and coastal sites

Produces acorns in autumn

Long-lived tree (up to 700 years)

Supports over 400 insect species

Faster growth rate than English Oak

Applications

Woodland and forest creation schemes

Parkland planting

Large gardens and estates

Specimen and commemorative tree planting

Conservation and biodiversity projects

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 6m height x 3m spread

After 20 years: 12m height x 8m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Quercus petraea

Common Name | Sessile Oak / Durmast Oak

Plant Type | Deciduous tree

Growth Rate | Moderate to fast

Mature Height | Up to 30m+ at maturity

Mature Spread | Up to 20m+ at maturity

Soil Type | Most soils except shallow, poorly drained sites

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK; tolerates exposed and coastal sites

Plant Size & Type | 20–40cm 1+0; 40–60cm Cell Grown; 40–60cm 1u1

Maintenance | Generally not pruned; tidy damaged branches to a clean cut as required

Wildlife Value | Supports 400+ insect species; acorns eaten by jays and small mammals; provides nesting habitat for birds including Pied Flycatcher; excellent long-term habitat tree