Explore Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Quercus cerris | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Turkey Oak
Family: Fagaceae
Appearance: A large deciduous tree with deeply lobed leaves, rough gray-brown bark, and acorns with distinctive bristly cups.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Canopy
Root System: Features a deep and extensive root system
Height: Up to 35 meters
Width: Can spread up to 20 meters
Lifespan: Several centuries
Growth Rate: Fast
Fertility: Not self-fertile
Flowers: Monoecious (both male and female flowers on the same plant)
Pollinator: Wind-pollinated
Toxicity: Acorns contain tannins which are toxic if consumed in large quantities
Quercus cerris | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Southern Europe and Western Asia
Companionship: Often found with other broad-leaved deciduous trees
Invasive Range: Can be invasive in some regions, particularly in the UK
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance once established
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy, or clay soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Typically grown from acorns; cold stratification improves germination
Cuttings: Not commonly used
Quercus cerris | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Acorns can be leached to remove tannins and used as food, but not commonly consumed
Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Acorns are a food source for wildlife but not typically used as fodder
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: The wood is used for fuel, fencing, and construction
Firewood: Can be used as firewood
Wind Break: Can serve as a windbreak due to its size and structure
Fence: Not typically used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Not typically known as a pollinator attractor
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat and food for various birds, mammals, and insects
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