Pyramidal English Oak
Quercus robur 'Fastigiana'
A cultivated oak (Quercus spp.) variety. Easily recognized by its columnar shape, it stands tall and slender. The leaf, although shaped like the native white oak (Quercus alba),is significantly smaller in size with rounded, shallower lobes.
During their trip to Canada in 1901, their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York visited Queen's University. An honorary degree was bestowed upon the Duke, who later, in 1910, became His Majesty King George V. During the same visit, the Duke and Duchess laid a cornerstone at Kingston Hall officially opening the building. This tablet still exists and is located on the south side of Kingston Hall, the building to your far left. At your present location, their Royal Highnesses planted an elm tree (Ulmus spp.) to commemorate the occasion. Unfortunately, this tree did not survive the Dutch elm disease epidemic in the 1950's and has been replaced.