Quercus cerris aka Turkey Oak

Quercus cerris, or Turkey oak, is a large deciduous tree. It belongs to the beech family, Fagaceae. Its native range spans southern Europe and western Asia. There it grows in woods, thickets, and hedges. Garden trees reach about 40–60 feet (12–18.3 metres) tall. Their spread can match their height. Larger trees can reach about 100 feet (30 metres). Oregon State reports wild trees reaching twice the usual garden size.

Young trees have a slim outline and broaden with age. The crown may form a broad pyramid or rounded cone. Dark green leaves have a rough surface and pointed lobes. Some lobes end in small, triangular teeth. The leaf undersides are paler, with hairs along the veins. Leaves stay on the tree well into late autumn. Fall colour is weak, ranging from greenish to yellow-brown. Leaves vary in shape, but many are narrow and oblong.

Small yellow-green flowers appear in spring and attract little notice. The same tree bears both male and female flowers. Male flowers hang in catkins; female flowers form small clusters. The acorns offer more visual interest than the flowers. They grow singly or in groups of up to four. Sources give lengths up to about 1.6 inches. Shaggy scales cover the cups and give them a mossy look. Each cup encloses roughly one-third to half of its acorn.

Grow Turkey oak in sun or partial shade. It suits deep, fertile soil with good drainage. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk across soil pH levels. Moist soil suits it, but it also tolerates drought. RHS rates its hardiness H6; Oregon State lists USDA Zone 5. Growth is fast, and maturity takes about 20–50 years. Its broad crown provides shade for lawns, streets, and parks. Care needs are low, though the tree needs ample space.

Serious pest and disease problems are uncommon, according to Missouri Botanical Garden. Possible pests include aphids, caterpillars, borers, and oak gall wasps. Oak processionary moth and powdery mildew may also occur. PFAF lists cooked seeds as food after removing bitter tannins. Washing or soaking can take days or weeks for whole seeds. Ground seeds can thicken stews or join flour for bread. Do not treat raw acorns as ready-to-eat food. RHS warns that eating this plant can harm dogs. The wood serves cabinet makers and turners. Galls, leaves, bark, and wood provide tannins.