Cork Oak

trees · cork · mediterranean

Makes cork. Cork oak trees have super thick bark that people peel off to make cork for wine bottles, flooring, and even the insides of cricket balls. The tree doesn't get hurt by this harvesting.

Ancient and long-lived. Cork oaks have been around since the Tertiary period, millions of years ago, and can live for up to 200 years. That means a single tree can produce cork for many human lifetimes.

Renewable harvesting. Once a cork oak is 25 years old, people can peel bark from it every 9 to 12 years without damaging the tree. The bark grows back and is ready to harvest again and again.

Mediterranean home. Cork oaks grow naturally in southwest Europe and northwest Africa, especially around the Mediterranean Sea. This is where most of the world's cork still comes from today.

Evergreen all year. Unlike many oak trees that lose their leaves in winter, cork oaks stay green throughout the entire year, keeping their leaves no matter the season.