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Turkey oak

Introduced in the 18th century this tree was planted for its fast growth. Its negative on native oaks were only discovered later- the tree harbours a parasitic wasp which destroys the acorns of other oaks so preventing the growth of new oaks.

What other names does it have?

Generic name	Oak
Latin name	Quercus cerris
Family name	Beech
Latin family name	Fagaceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?	It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?	Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height	16-30m

Leaf

Description	The leaves are very variable in shape- some lobes are elaborate and pointed whilst other leaves have rounded simple lobes. To touch they are rough and thick, shiny above but felted underneath
Shape	Lobed
Colour	Dark green
Leaf bud	The buds all have twisting, large whiskers
Leaf stalk	Short stalk
Leaf arrangement	Alternate

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flower	Catkin
Tree/flower sex	Both sexes
Fruit colour	Ripens to brown in a green 'mossy' looking cup
Fruit season	Autumn (acorns take two years to mature).
Type of seed body	Acorn
Seeds dispersed by	Wildlife

Bark and twig

Bark description	Greyish in colour broken into squarish plates with deep fissures
Twig Description	Quite straight dark brown twigs which are densely hairy

What other trees are similar?

Can easily be confused with?	Other oaks- but these will have smooth and very different acorn cups

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?	Non-native - naturalised
Where is its natural range?	Not well defined as it has been so widely planted, believed to be much of central southern Europe
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?	Has been widely planted in the past and cope well with a range of conditions.
What is its British conservation status?	Frequent

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timber	This tree is particularly fast growing and so was used in shelterbelts and avenues to create an effect quickly. Its timber is very poor and is not much used.

Turkey oak

Turkey oak leaves

Mossy cup

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

BritishTrees

©2012 The Woodland Trust