What soil does Turkey oak grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). In the colder parts of the country (Podlaskie Voivodeship) it may not survive winter without protection.

How far from the house should Turkey oak be planted?

Plant it at least 15 m from buildings. Keep it at least 5 m from paving.

When does Turkey oak flower?

Flowering: April–May, yellow, green.

How much water does Turkey oak need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Turkey oak

Quercus cerris

Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) is a large tree. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about PLN 54.

Illustration of Turkey oak — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A large oak with a broad crown, dark green leathery lobed leaves and distinctive acorns in shaggy, mossy cups. It is one of the most heat and drought tolerant oaks and grows on limy or poor soil too, which makes it a good shade-giving specimen for big gardens and parks. It needs a lot of room, the leaves that hang on into late autumn and winter and the many acorns mean work, and keep the acorns away from dogs.

Watch out for

It is a confirmed host of the oak lace bug: the insect, introduced from North America, reached Central Europe in the 2010s and has caused mass damage since, and its feeding makes the foliage fade and yellow by midsummer. It is also one of the preferred hosts of the oak processionary moth: the stinging hairs of the caterpillars cause severe rashes and breathing problems, and nests should be removed by professionals only. The trunk can crack in hard frost, but the tree is not prone to powdery mildew. It does not suit paved or cramped sites.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 3.5 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, yellow, green

All details

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	6 m × 3.5 m
Ultimate size	20–35 m × 12–30 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, yellow, green
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 15 m
Distance from paving	at least 5 m
Litter	Fruit, Leaves
Planting distance	1200 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about PLN 54

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 54

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants that give shade

Looks good next to it

Swedish cotoneaster

Cotoneaster × suecicus

Atlas fescue

Festuca mairei

Blue false indigo

Baptisia australis