Turkey Oak
(Quercus laevis)
Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis)
/
/
Scott Allen Davis
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Scott Allen Davis
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Scott Allen Davis | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Scott Allen Davis | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-04-22T17:14:16-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Quercus laevis, commonly known as Turkey Oak, is a deciduous tree native to the sandy soils of pine barrens, dry ridges, and scrubby flatwoods in the Southeastern United States. It is a small to medium-sized tree, sometimes shrubby, typically reaching 8–10 meters (26–33 feet) in height. The tree’s form is irregular, often with a twisted trunk and a sparse canopy, which does not have the grandeur of many oaks but is well-adapted to its native habitat. The leaves are deeply lobed with bristle tips, turning a striking red color in autumn. The acorns, which are 20–25 millimeters (3⁄4–1 inch) long, are an important food source for wildlife and, like those of other red oaks, take 18 months to mature.
Turkey Oak is valued for its ability to thrive on infertile, dry, sandy sites where other trees may struggle. Its drought tolerance and unique leaf shape make it an interesting choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used for restoration projects within its native range. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soils, with medium water needs. While it is not commonly found in urban settings due to its less formal appearance, it can serve as a conversation piece in a native plant garden. Care should be taken when planting Turkey Oak, as it can be susceptible to oak wilt and other fungal diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0
Turkey Oak is valued for its ability to thrive on infertile, dry, sandy sites where other trees may struggle. Its drought tolerance and unique leaf shape make it an interesting choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used for restoration projects within its native range. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soils, with medium water needs. While it is not commonly found in urban settings due to its less formal appearance, it can serve as a conversation piece in a native plant garden. Care should be taken when planting Turkey Oak, as it can be susceptible to oak wilt and other fungal diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 40-70 feet
- Width: 40-60 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Pine barrens, dry ridges, and scrubby flatwoods in the Southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Quercus laevis, Quercus catesbaei, Quercus laevis f. lineariloba, Quercus catesbaei f. rappii, Quercus laeta f. rappii, Quercus laevis f. rappii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus laevis Walter