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Quercus petraea L.

In a forest of mesophilic deciduous oaks, within the protection “area A” of the Madonie Park (in Sempria), there’s an ancient sessile oak between 650 and 750 years old. It is 50.8-ft tall, with a maximum trunk circumference of 29 ft, already 22.3-ft wide at some 4.2 ft from the ground.

This tree features a lumpy trunk, with large patches affected by hyperplasia and a large lightning scar which has now turned into a prominent cavity on the side facing south-east. The canopy, which has developed at about 8.5 ft from the ground, is large and luxuriant in all directions.

The tree is in overall decent health, despite several cavities where the wood has already started decaying and many dead branches.

How to reach it

From Piano Sempria, take the nature trail to Piano Pomo.

Botanical Card

The oak distribution area extends over almost all Western and Central Europe. In Italy, this species is abundant in all the regions but Sardinia; actually, there would be more oaks all over the country, if agriculture exploitation and wood production were less aggressive on the whole territory.

It is a mildly sciophilous species that prefers hilly areas with acidic or sub-acid soils. It loves environments with high humidity all year round, and for this very reason, oaks tend to be suitable for an oceanic climate.

In central Europe and the Prealps, oak trees are associated with different species based on the different soil: acidic soil is suitable for birch; less acidic and well-drained ones are perfect for white hornbeams, wild limes and beeches; soils with a lot of water usually feature hornbeams, mountain maples, and curly maples.

Oakwood is used in shipbuilding and construction, but also to manufacture barrels, furniture and flooring.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)