Turkey Oak Tree
Quercus cerris Identification
Angiosperm or Gymnosperm: The Turkey Oak tree is angiosperm. Natural Habitat: This type of tree is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, close to Turkey. Leaf Pattern: Cerris, this tree's genus, means that it has shoot buds that are surrounded by soft bristles, and bristle-tipped leaf lobes. The leaves are simple, pinnate, deciduous and are a dark green color. In the fall they turn brown and yellow. Type of Seeds: The seeds of the Turkey Oak are in the form of its acorns. The acorns only ripen in about 2 years. The Turkey Oak has both male and female flowers that turn into the acorns. The acorns usually contain one seed, sometimes two or three. Germination Process: The seeds of this tree must be planted not too far down in the soil, but also not too near the surface. They will generally germinate within 120-365 days. Almost all seeds are in a dormant state for a long time, and they need scarification, or to be passed though the intestines of an animal. Symbiotic Relationships: The acorns of this tree attract some animals like jays, and squirrels. The Turkey Oak does not have many pest or disease problems except one. The gall wasp has been known to live in Turkey Oaks and the larvae does some serious damage to the acorns. Type of Bark: The Turkey Oak has a dark grey colored bark that is deeply furrowed as shown in the picture. Ethnobotony
The Turkey Oak tree was originally introduced to people because they thought it would be a good source of timber. However, the wood proved to be brittle and of little use. It is very fast growing and therefore would be a good street tree in suburban neighborhoods. Current Research
In recent studies of the Turkey Oak, it has been discovered that the wood of the tree which was originally of little use, can become hardier and more stable with steam treatment. New crystal chains were also found in the chemical compound of the Turkey Oak's wood. Summary of Information
The Turkey Oak used to have little importance. It was supposed to be used for good timber for construction purposes. However when it was brought to America, it was not worth anything. A Turkey Oak has a very dark grey bark. The wood is deeply furrowed which means that it has the deep lines in it. The wood is so brittle that the sailors who brought it over were deeply disappointed. Luckily, in recent studies, the Turkey Oak has been somewhat useful! Steam treatment puts the wood under various stress tests and in this case makes the wood hardier. The Turkey Oak also has a twin tree. It is also called the Turkey Oak, but is actually has a different scientific name. The Turkey Oak described in this page is from Europe and Southeast Asia whereas the other Turkey Oak is from America. The American Turkey Oak tree is originally from the south, from Florida and Georgia. It looks a lot like the European Turkey Oak however, the European Turkey Oak has darker leaves. |
References:
Ferrari, S., Allegretti, O., Cuccui, I., Moretti, N., Marra, M., & Todaro, L. (2013). A Revaluation of Turkey Oak Wood
Oaks. (n.d.). Oaks. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/trees/quercus.htm#turkey
Oaks of the World. (n.d.). Quercus cerris. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://oaks.of.the.world.free.fr/quercus_cerris.htm
Quercus Cerris. (n.d.). Plants For A Future. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Quercus+cerris
Quercus cerris - Plant Finder. (n.d.). Quercus cerris - Plant Finder. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d457
Quercus cerris. (2013, October 21). Wikipedia. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercus_cerris
Quercus cerris at B & T World Seeds. (n.d.). Quercus cerris at B & T World Seeds. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://b-and-t-world-seeds.com/cartall.asp?species=Quercus%20cerris&sref=2329
Serdar, B., & Demiray, H. (2012). Calcium oxalate crystal types in three oak species (Quercus L.) in Turkey.
Turkish Journal Of Biology, 36(4), 386-393. doi:10.3906/biy-1109-35
Todaro, L., Dichicco, P., Moretti, N., & D'Auria, M. (2013). Effect of Combined Steam and Heat Treatments on Extractives
Turkey Oak. (n.d.). Forest Service. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/quecera.pdf
Turkey oak. (n.d.). British Trees:. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www.british-trees.com/treeguide/oaks/nbnsys0000003843
Turkey oak Quercus cerris. (n.d.). Kew Gardens. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://apps.kew.org/trees/?page_id=89
Ferrari, S., Allegretti, O., Cuccui, I., Moretti, N., Marra, M., & Todaro, L. (2013). A Revaluation of Turkey Oak Wood
Oaks. (n.d.). Oaks. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/trees/quercus.htm#turkey
Oaks of the World. (n.d.). Quercus cerris. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://oaks.of.the.world.free.fr/quercus_cerris.htm
Quercus Cerris. (n.d.). Plants For A Future. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Quercus+cerris
Quercus cerris - Plant Finder. (n.d.). Quercus cerris - Plant Finder. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d457
Quercus cerris. (2013, October 21). Wikipedia. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercus_cerris
Quercus cerris at B & T World Seeds. (n.d.). Quercus cerris at B & T World Seeds. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://b-and-t-world-seeds.com/cartall.asp?species=Quercus%20cerris&sref=2329
Serdar, B., & Demiray, H. (2012). Calcium oxalate crystal types in three oak species (Quercus L.) in Turkey.
Turkish Journal Of Biology, 36(4), 386-393. doi:10.3906/biy-1109-35
Todaro, L., Dichicco, P., Moretti, N., & D'Auria, M. (2013). Effect of Combined Steam and Heat Treatments on Extractives
Turkey Oak. (n.d.). Forest Service. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/quecera.pdf
Turkey oak. (n.d.). British Trees:. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www.british-trees.com/treeguide/oaks/nbnsys0000003843
Turkey oak Quercus cerris. (n.d.). Kew Gardens. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://apps.kew.org/trees/?page_id=89