The 1.5 Gbp genome of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) has been sequenced. The released high-quality draft genome provides an invaluable resource for studies of the genomic patterns of divergence between oak species and determination of the genetic basis and mechanisms of reproductive isolation. It will also promote downstream genetic applications and catalyze future studies dealing with fundamental questions relating to forest tree adaptation. For more information read: Decoding the oak genome: public release of sequence data, assembly, annotation and publication strategies, by Christophe Plomion et al.