A native to most of Europe, excluding the extreme north, but including parts of the Mediterra-nean region, this tall (to 50 m), majestic tree has a stout trunk and large irregular crown. It prefers light and fertile alkaline soils and withstands frost.
The acorn was used as a famine food for humans in Europe, but it is high in tannin. The acorns are also used as a coffee substitute and the manna is used as a kind of butter in cooking.
The wood is easy to work, highly attractive and long lasting. It has been used traditionally for making casks for ageing valuable wines and brandy. It is also used for furniture, shipbuilding and roofing timbers.