In vitro shoot development was slower for apical shoot explants of young oak (Quercus robur L.) seedlings growing on Woody Plant Medium containing activated charcoal than for nodal shoot explants. The rate of in vitro shoot development was slowest in explants taken from seedlings that were undergoing rapid shoot elongation and most rapid in explants taken from seedlings that had stopped elongating and had fully expanded leaves. Maximum rooting was achieved on half-strength Woody Plant Medium containing activated charcoal. Rooting ability was not influenced by explant source.