European Turkey Oak
Quercus cerris
- Native to:
- Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Sicilia, Switzerland, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Roger Culos
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fagaceae
- Genus:
- Quercus
- Species:
- Quercus cerris
- USDA Symbol:
- QUCE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 3500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Ceratonyx satanaria, Io moth (Automeris io)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow, brown
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 1-2 months; sow in fall or stratify artificially.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)