Trees in Heraldry

[castlebob]

Hello All,
Can anyone explain what an oak tree, with roots exposed , bearing leaves & acorns symbolises, when the top of the tree which bears the leaves etc is broken off, please?
Does this denote a cadet or bastard lin?
Cheers,
Bob

[KGarrad]

Edward III used a badge of a Stock (tree stump), as did Richard II and Henry IV.

But see also:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tree_stumps_in_heraldry

And plenty of oak trees:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Oak_trees_in_heraldry


Can you post a picture?

[castlebob]

This is a rough approximation of the tree. Hope it helps!
Bob

[Little Nell]

Does this denote a cadet or bastard lin?

It's not the standard sign of a cadet or illegitimate line.  Trees (and oak trees in particular) are often used as a charge.  If uprooted they are described as eradicated.  Couped means cut.  To have the top part as well is not something I can find a specific reference for. 

Nell

[KGarrad]

Nor me - I've been searching for hours!

Where did you find this?
Was it on a coat-of-arms?

[castlebob]

Thanks for all your efforts, everyone.
It was from a stone memorial, dating from the mid-16th C.
My gut feeling is that a broken branch (logically?) suggested a bastard line. However, I was just hoping that there was a hard-and-fast rule regarding this. It appears not!
Cheers,
Bob

[PrueM]

If from a gravestone I believe it is not heraldic at all, but rather symbolic of a life cut short.

[castlebob]

Thanks . Makes sense. I have read of broken trees in the past, but can't recall where! I dare say if there is anything else to it, someone will post the info.
Cheers,
Bob

[PrueM]

There's lots of references to broken trees of various kinds being used on grave markers.  Have a look at this board for links to gravestone symbol websites: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,160.0.html