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Quercus cerris L.

In the Nebrodi Park, there are the largest woods in Sicily, covering about 124.000 acres. The most important tree species are beeches (Fagus sylvatica), cork oaks (Quercus suber), Turkey oaks (Quercus cerris), yews (Taxus baccata), and hollies (Ilex agrifolium). Some remarkable specimens of the Turkey oak, in particular, can be found in Alcara Li Fusi (Messina), at 1.312 ft above sea level.

Botanical card

The Turkey oak is an evergreen tree belonging to the Fagaceae family and native to the Mediterranean area. Thanks to a well-developed root system, it tolerates drought. It can also grow on limestone and compact soil, with no particular needs; on the other hand, it does prefer acidic substrates. In Italy, spontaneous Turkey oaks can be sporadically found in the Po River Valley (where they may have been artificially introduced), and in much larger numbers in Friuli, while they don’t grow in Sardinia.

The Turkey oak is widespread throughout the Italian Apennine Ridge, especially from Tuscany downwards. Unlike other oaks, its wood does not contain tannin and is, therefore, less resistant to moisture and can easily split along its fibres. In the past, timber was used to build railway sleepers, barrel staves or wheel spokes. Today, however, this wood is mostly used for fuel.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)