Cork Oak

Best known for its production of wine bottle caps for the last few centuries, Quercus suber plantations are becoming a dying sight with the modern invention of plastic caps, though still an important crop for many farmers in Portugal and Spain, who harvest the bark on 8-12 year rotations, employing up to 30,000 people in an industry valued of approx. €1.5bn. Its other uses include insulation and flooring among others. As a garden tree, it's best given a relatively dry spot and plenty of space to spread. It forms a short stem and branches into 4-5 main leading trunks. A beautiful specimen tree worthy of a garden once you have a little spare space.

Soil: Any soil
Position: Full sun
Season of Interest: Evergreen, quirky bark, Autumn fruit
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 30ft (9m) Spread: 30ft (9m)