Tree 25

Quercus cerris

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Quick Facts

Genus: Quercus

Species: cerris

Common Names: Turkey Oak

Mature Size: 20-40 metres.

Height: 15 metres
Width: 14.3 metres
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): 80cm

Age of Tree: Semi-mature, this tree is actively growing towards is mature size.

Place of Origin: East Europea and down in to Asia minor (Turkey).

Plant Habit: Broad spreading deciduous tree, its trunk usually divides within 5 metres of ground level.

Growth Habit: Fast growing when young to semi-mature, before slowing as it matures.
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Story

It is believed that this tree was part of 100 trees that were planted by schoolchildren in September 1936 at the eastern and western entrances to Ballan (Simpson Street was then the main road).

Tree guards were provided by the Shire Council, and the trees themselves by the Forest Commission.

There was a large attendance of children and parents, and all were entertained at afternoon tea by the Mothers Club.

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Horticultural Information

Preferred Conditions: it can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including some alkaline conditions.

Tolerances: it will tolerate prolong dry periods and drought. It is intolerant of prolonged wet or sodden soils.

Useful Life Expectancy (ULE): Medium, with some tree in northern Turkey in excess of 150 years+

Significance: Street tree, part of a mixed planting of Oaks in Ballan.

Features: Foliage, dark green on upper surface, paler on underside, slightly fluffy; 7-14cm long. In southeastern Australia the lobing of this type of tree is considered regular for an Oak, with shallow lobes and a short bristle at the end of each lobe. There are also hairs or soft bristles at branch tips and leaf axils.

Fruit is an Acorn, 2.5-4cm high, up to 2cm wide, the acorn cup is 2cm deep and is covered in firm hairs. The presence of firm hairs at leaf axils and on the acorn cups are features that make for easy identification of this species of Oak.

Flowers are catkins that take 18 months to mature, and are wind-pollinated.

Points of Interest: The wood is very hard and durable; though prone to cracking; making it hard to work for furniture or fine carving. It is mostly used for rough timber construction and fencing.