Quercus laevis aka Catesby's Oak

Quercus laevis, or American turkey oak, is a deciduous tree. It belongs to the beech family, Fagaceae. Its native range covers the southeastern United States coastal plain. It extends from Virginia to Florida and west to Louisiana. The tree grows in oak-pine woods on dry, poor soils. Its leaf shape gives it the name turkey oak. It differs from the European turkey oak, Quercus cerris.

Garden trees reach about 30–40 feet [9.1–12.2 metres] tall. Virginia Tech describes smaller trees of 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres]. A short trunk supports thick branches and an uneven, spreading crown. Mature bark turns dark grey or black, with deep grooves. The inner bark has a red tint. Brown to grey twigs bear a few hairs. The simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They have three to seven lobes, each with a bristled tip. Their upper sides shine green, while the undersides look paler. Red hairs occur along the main vein beneath. Leaves turn red or orange-red and may remain into winter.

Flowers appear in April as new spring shoots grow. Male flowers form hanging catkins. Female flowers sit near the leaf bases on short stalks. Brown acorns ripen in September or October of their second year. Each has a thin, reddish-brown cup with fuzzy scales. The cup covers about one-third of the nut. Seed crops vary, with heavy years followed by lighter crops. Gardeners can raise this tree from seed.

Full sun suits this oak, though it also accepts partial shade. It needs good drainage and grows in sandy or loamy ground. It also grows on rocky sites. A deep taproot helps it withstand drought. It does not tolerate salt well. North Carolina State lists USDA zones 7a–9b. Growth is moderate, but British conditions can slow it greatly. Cool summers may leave new wood prone to winter frost damage. Its leaf shape and fall colour suit small shade-tree plantings. It also provides wildlife food and supports butterfly gardens. People use its wood for fuel and rough building work.

Oak wilt poses a serious risk to this species. Possible pests include scale, borers, leaf miners, and nut weevils. Acorns contain tannins and are unsafe to eat without preparation. Eating them can cause gut pain, bowel changes, and other symptoms. Whole acorns can also block the gut. Leaching or boiling removes tannins before people eat the seeds. Prepared seeds can become flour for bread or thickening stews. Plants For A Future records traditional medicinal uses for tree galls.