Quercus infectoria aka Aleppo Oak

Quercus infectoria, or Aleppo oak, is in the beech family, Fagaceae. Its native range runs from Greece to southwest Iran. It also grows in Cyprus, Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean region. Kew lists it as a shrub or tree. Plants for a Future calls it a rounded, evergreen shrub. That source gives a height of about 6 feet [1.8 metres]. It lists a medium growth rate but gives no spread.

The small yellow flowers bloom in spring and are not showy. Each plant has male and female flowers in separate blooms. Wind moves pollen between them. The acorns hold seeds with bitter tannins. The seeds are safe to eat only with proper care in preparing them. Washing them over and over removes tannins but removes minerals too. Whole seeds may need days or weeks to soak. Ground seed takes less time to treat. Cooked seed can thicken stews or add to bread flour.

This oak grows in sun or light shade. Young plants can cope with some shade from the sides. It grows best in moist, deep, rich loam, including heavier soil. It can grow in clay too. Soil can range from slightly acid to slightly alkaline. Plants for a Future lists USDA zones 6–8. Warm summers help the wood ripen before winter. Cool summers in Britain can lead to poor growth. Frost may harm wood that has not ripened. The plant copes with some wind, but not coastal exposure. Exposed sites may limit its size.

Its rounded shape suits use as a garden specimen. It can also grow at woodland edges or in dappled shade. Roots do not cope well with disturbance. It is best to plant young stock. Its deep taproot makes it hard to move later. Sow fresh seed soon, as dry seed is less likely to sprout. Mice and squirrels may take seed unless it has protection. The evidence gives no details of how leaves or bark look.

Insects can cause galls rich in tannins on this oak. These galls help make ink with iron salts. Traditional medicine has used the bark, acorns and galls as astringents. Reported uses include skin and bowel problems. These records do not prove that home treatments work or are safe. Plants for a Future lists no known hazards. This does not mean the seeds are safe without proper preparation. The same source records no weed potential.