Turkey Oak

Quercus cerris

At first glance, the Turkey Oak resembles our native English Oaks in size and overall appearance.  Turkey Oaks grow quickly and can reach over 30 metres in height with a broad trunk.  Closer inspection shows Turkey Oak leaves to have more uneven lobe shapes than those of English Oak.   A more certain way to identify the Turkey Oak from close up is by the short thick moss like ‘hairs’ that grow from the tips of the twigs and around the emerging leaf buds.  The species was introduced into the British Isles from Europe in the early 18th. Century and is grown mainly for its ornamental appearance.

The tree itself has very little timber value and has gained a negative reputation in recent years since it is host for part of the life cycle of the Knopper Gall wasp, an insect that arrived in the UK in the late 1960’s.  Adult wasps lay eggs on the catkins of English Oaks and the developing larvae render the acorns sterile.  It was initially feared that this could seriously damage English Oak regeneration but it appears that populations of the wasp vary from year to year and there are plenty of unaffected acorns available to grow in years when the wasp populations are less.

Situation
Usually found growing in parkland or larger private gardens.  Very few trees will be found in the Forest since the Forestry Commission actively fells Turkey Oak because of the risk Knopper Galls pose to English Oak regeneration.  However a Turkey Oak with a very large trunk, grows in the grounds of the Burley Manor Hotel and can be seen from the public car park in Chapel Lane, Burley.

Season/Life cycle

Uses
An ornamental tree with poor quality building timber that splits easily. Mainly used for firewood and fence posts.