The biggest penduculate oaks (Quercus robur L.) of West Pomeranian voivodeship

Abstract

Pedunculate oaks of Quercus robur L. are the most magnificent trees in Poland, which occur in their natural range. According to various sources, the circumference of the trunks of the thickest trees measured at breast height may exceed 1000 cm. Oaks of impressive sizes were often presented in the scientific and popular science literature primarily due to their size, but also cultural and historical value. Studies of this type most often referred to the most impressive specimen of this species on the national scale. In reference to Western Pomerania, there is no scientific study on the largest specimen in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, which is a natural occurrence of this species. Research carried out in 2017-2018 is an attempt to systematize knowledge in this area on the regional scale and has been carried out on a group of trees that are the most impressive in terms of the circumference measured at breast height. The analysis included a detailed description of dendrological parameters and an assessment of the health status according to the scales used in modern dendrology. Information from historical sources was also included. The study covered 12 copies of pedunculate oak Quercus robur L.