This wonderful tree from North Africa and Southern Europe is best known for its thick furrowed bark which provides the cork of commerce. Cork is not harvested from the trees until they are 30-40 years old, and then it is harvested every 10 years or so. A lovely wide-spreading tree to 40-70', the cork oak has small, leathery leaves and makes a wonderful attractive specimen. In Portugal there is a delightful tree called the 'Monumental Cork Oak' which is 250 years old, 16 meters tall and requires at least 5 people to encircle it! S/M-D
