Quercus cerris

Oaks are common trees of our natural woodlands. They border our ponds, occur naturally in our mixed forests, and make magnificent specimen trees in our parks and arboretums where less common species or rare varieties can be seen.

Turkey oak is a handsome mid-sized tree with lovely foliage. The leaves are fresh green until early summer, changing to mid green in summer and pale yellow in autumn. They are typically about 12 cm long, deeply lobed with rounded lobes, and glossy

It grows slowly or medium fast into a tree with rounded to oval crown with strong leader and branches. Lateral branches tend to droop with age which gives the tree a relaxed appearance. However, as its main feature is its foliage it is often pruned to compact crown shapes to gain density and to increase amount of leaves in a small area. You can prune it at the end of winter to virtually any shape required, just avoid cutting into old wood.

Oaks are not fussy about soil type, this one even grows on chalky soil. Turkey oak can take drought once established but cannot take water-logging, it prefers warm, preferably drier locations. Pest and disease free. Grow it in full sun or part shade. The roots are not dangerous for roads and pavements and the plant withstands air pollution, this makes it ideal for city planting. Newly planted trees need to be staked for 2-3 years to establish. Fully hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), perhaps a little more.

Last update 19-01-2010