The oak is recognised as being a typically English tree.  But there are several types of oak tree to be found in the U.K. The two native species are : The pedunculate oak - Quercus robur The sessile oak - Quercus petraea   There also three non native or introduced species. Turkey Oak - (Quercus cerris).  This tree was Introduced in the 18th century.  It is a fast-growing tree, that has deeply lobed leaves.  Its acorns are easily recognised as they have ‘hairy’ cups. The bark is also somewhat different.  It is  a dark grey-brown colour, often with deep fissures and prominent orange ‘streaks’ often to be seen near the base of the trunk. Holm Oak - (Quercus ilex).  This was probably introduced from the Mediterranean region perhaps five hundred years ago. Interestingly, it is an evergreen tree.  The leaves are somewhat ‘leathery’ and not dissimilar to holly leaves when first formed  As they mature they have an oval and smooth outline. They may be found in coastal areas as they are salt tolerant. Red Oak - (Quercus rubra).   This is a North American tree that was often planted in parks and stately gardens, as its large leaves turn an impressive scarlet colour in autumn.  But how to distinguish between the two native oaks?  Firstly, the pedunculate oak is more likely to be found in nutrient rich, damp soils in Southern England.  The sessile oak is more likely to be found on well drained, upland soils.  It does not like to ‘get its feet wet’.  If geography does not give a clue, does the tree have acorns?  The acorn of the pedunculate oak has long stalks, called peduncles. The sessile oak by comparison has acorns that sit directly on their twig - no stalks. Turning to the leaves, things now change around.  The leaves of the sessile oak have stalks (petioles), whereas the pedunculate oak either has no stalks or very short ones.  Another feature that separates the two trees is that the pedunculate leaf has two small ear-like lobes where the leaf joins the twig, whereas the leaf of the sessile oak gradually taper into the stalk (aka, the peduncle).  The overall appearance of the trees may differ with the pedunculate oak usually having a large, spreading canopy, whereas that of the sessile oak is more upright / narrow.