Quercus cerris – Turkey Oak

Introduced in the 18th century as an ornamental tree, Quercus cerris is a large, fast-growing, deciduous tree with a majestic habit and a broad, rounded crown. The bark is dark grey, deeply fissured and sometimes scaly. The thick, dark green leaves are more deeply lobed than those of English oaks, and the lobes are often more pointed; they are glossy above with felted undersides, and often turn a good colour in autumn. Small yellow catkins pollinate the unobtrusive female flowers, which are followed by acorns, orange at the base fading to a greenish-brown tip, in a distinctive, bristly, mossy-looking cup. A magnificent specimen tree for parkland or very large gardens, but be aware that the  Turkey oak is host to the knopper gall wasp, which can damage native oaks.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well drained soil, apart from thin chalky soils
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Spring to autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy 
Height: 98’ (30m)  Spread: 65’ (20m)