Quercus libani aka Lebanon Oak

Quercus libani is a deciduous oak. It belongs to the beech family, Fagaceae. Its common names include Lebanon oak and Mount Lebanon oak. Kew lists Iran as its native range. Plants For A Future gives a wider range across western Asia. This spans western Iran, northwestern Iraq, Syria, and eastern Turkey. It grows in a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants For A Future describes a tree reaching 26 feet [8 metres]. Kew lists its form as a shrub or tree. It sheds its leaves rather than keeping them year-round. The supplied species accounts give no details of leaves or bark. Male and female flowers grow on the same plant. Wind moves pollen from flower to flower. The seeds take two years to ripen. Trees often set seed in Britain, despite its cool summers.

This oak suits the upper canopy of a woodland garden. It prefers deep, fertile loam but grows in heavy clay too. It accepts soils that are mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. It grows in full sun or light woodland shade. Young plants cope with some shade from the sides. Soil may be dry or moist. The tree copes with strong winds, but not coastal exposure. It prefers summers warmer than most summers in Britain. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9.

Plant young trees where they can stay. Disturbing their roots causes problems. Seedlings form a deep taproot, so move them early. Sow fresh seed before it dries and can no longer sprout. Use deep pots to raise small batches. Keep mice and squirrels away from sown seed. This species can cross freely with other oaks. The supplied evidence names no disease problem specific to this species. Insect larvae can cause galls. These yield tannin once the insects leave.

The seeds are edible after proper preparation and cooking. They hold bitter tannins that water must leach out thoroughly. Whole seeds can take days or weeks to leach. Ground seed leaches faster, but washing removes minerals too. Flour from prepared seeds can thicken stews. It can also join cereal flour in bread. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. This does not mean pets or unprepared seeds are safe. The source records medicinal uses for galls as an astringent. It also describes leaf mulch as a pest repellent. This excludes fresh leaves, which may hinder plant growth.