European oaks

Quercus petraea can reach a height of 25 m/82 ft and can live over 300 years. Branches form high up the relatively straight trunk. Wood from this tree is usually tight grained (see grain). This species grows well in sandy, silty soil with good drainage, but thrives in a variety of soils. In Europe it is found throughout the United Kingdom and from France east to Poland and the Baltic states and as far south as Italy and the former Yugoslavia. Austria and Hungary are increasingly prestigious sources of oak, mostly but not exclusively on home territory.