Quercus cerris
Turkey oak, Bitter oak
Also known as Quercus lanuginosa
- Height × spread
- 2.5m – 33m × 1.5m – 24m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The Turkey oak originates in parts of the south and centre of Europe. It is a fast-growing and handsome tree that makes a broad-crowned specimen. It has shiny dark green leaves that are long with neat pointed lobes along each side. There are a number of cultivars available that include 'Argenteovariegata' which has cream blotches and splashes, and cut-leaf forms in the Laciniata Group. The tree is happy on chalky soil and is recommended for seaside locations.
- Foliage colour
- Green, White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell, Cone
- Height
- 2.5m – 33m
- Spread
- 1.5m – 24m
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
More Quercus
Quercus robur
Common oak, English oak, Pedunculate oak
Quercus
Oak
Quercus alnifolia
Golden oak of cypress, Golden oak
Quercus cerris
Turkey oak, Bitter oak
Quercus cerris 'Argenteovariegata'
Variegated turkey oak, Mossy oak, Moss-cupped oak
Quercus coccinea
Scarlet oak
Quercus coccinea
Scarlet oak
Quercus coccinea 'Splendens'
Scarlet oak