What is an oak tree? Deciduous trees in Russia: oak

Oak is one of the most majestic creations of nature. It can reach a height of 30 meters, moreover, there are cases when this tree grew and higher. His crown of carved leaves can cover the area of 50 m². Given such parameters, the oak can be called the king of our forests.

But what do we know about the "abode" of oak? Where does it grow? What land does he prefer? And of course, what is the oak tree? Let's consider all the issues in order.

What is an oak tree?

Oak forest is a deciduous forest, where oak is the dominant species. In Russia, such massifs are found in the European and Far Eastern regions. Also, oak forests grow in the Caucasus. In total, they account for slightly less than 2% of the total forest area of the Russian Federation.

Pure oak forests are rare. Often, near the oak, other tree species coexist peacefully, such as maple, birch, linden, aspen, wild pear and apple tree. And though the sun rays penetrate badly through the giant's crown, this is enough to provide lower trees with the right amount of light.

Oak is not very legible in the soil, so it can grow peacefully both on wet land and on dry sandstones. What is more important is the climatic conditions, because it does not tolerate long droughts and high temperatures.

Life on the lower tier

So, let's continue the story about what an oak tree is. And here we need to remember one important point. The oak tree is not only the main row of trees that rise above the ground. An integral part of such a forest will always be the undergrowth and grass.

Among the green giants here and there are growing and smaller trees. So, often the green oak grove consists of mountain ash, hazel, bird cherry, hawthorn and thorn. But there are forests where the undergrowth is very rare or not at all. Then the empty place is occupied by low plants, but the moss grows poorly in the oak forest.

If the soil in such a forest is wet, then, most likely, there will grow fern. After all, this plant likes a shadow, and the crown of an oak can provide it.

Oak for animals

What is the oak tree for animals? Oak is very important for some of them. Since its seeds are a good source of proteins and fats. Many birds and animals seek shelter in the oak forests, in order to subsequently have unlimited access to the acorns. It should be noted that for wild boars they are one of the main sources of food.

If you turn your gaze into the depths of history, you can recall the fact that earlier farmers made their pens for pigs in oak groves. It was the only way to feed these creatures without much loss for the family. And only with the advent of potatoes the livestock was transferred to another diet.