Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak)

Fast-growing, Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak) is a large, spreading deciduous tree of broad pyramidal habit. The foliage of narrow, oblong, lustrous dark green leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm), has deep, pointed lobes and turns yellow to gold in late fall. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins appear in spring as the leaves emerge.

Fast-growing, Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak) is a large, spreading deciduous tree of broad pyramidal habit. The foliage of narrow, oblong, lustrous dark green leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm), has deep, pointed lobes and turns yellow to gold in late fall. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins appear in spring as the leaves emerge. The trunk and branches, with their deeply furrowed mauve-gray bark and reddish-brown or orange fissures, provide architectural elegance and winter interest. Its oval acorns, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), are a valuable source of food for small mammals and birds, but they do not ripen until fall of the second year. Noble, Turkey Oak can withstand air pollution, is relatively tolerant to drought and has an attractive appearance. It makes a great shade and specimen tree.

  • Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall and wide (12-18 m).
  • A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in most deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, oak gall wasps and powdery mildews.
  • Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame.
  • Toxic to horses.
  • Native to western Asia, Europe.

Requirements

Hardiness 6
– 9

Heat Zones 7
– 9

Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Quercus – Oaks
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 40'
– 60'
(12m
– 18m)
Spread 40'
– 60'
(12m
– 18m)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow