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Turkey oak
(Quercus cerris)
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Turkey oak © RPS group Plc
A non-native invasive plant.
Turkey oak is a deciduous tree that has been planted in woodlands, estates, large gardens, in parks and along roads. Unlike the native oak, its acorn cups have a distinctive 'whiskery' appearance as do its leaf buds. The lobes of its leaves are also pointed.
Distribution
Widespread throughout lowlands in the UK - mainly England and Wales and to a lesser extent Scotland and Ireland.
Habitat
It has now naturalised and is spreading into calcareous grassland and heathland.
What's the problem?
The Turkey oak has been widely cultivated in the UK since the 18th century. However, it wasn't until 1905 that it was first recorded in the wild. Since then it has aggressively colonised areas of the British countryside and displaced native plants.
It has been recorded from a large number of important nature
conservation sites. Although many of these reports are of small numbers
of the tree at the moment, Turkey oak will undoubtedly continue to
colonise open grassland and heathland areas, becoming a major nuisance
in years to come.
It is also the host of the Knopper Gall Wasp, an insect which damages the acorns of the native oak so affecting its ability to reproduce.
What are we doing about it?
Find out more about Plantlife's invasive plant programme by clicking here.