Native Plant Database

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Quercus laevis (Turkey oak)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy (Chapel Hill, NC)

Quercus laevis Walt.

Turkey oak

Fagaceae (Beech Family)

Synonyms: Quercus catesbaei

USDA Symbol: QULA2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A small tree, frequently a shrub, turkey oak grows up to 40 ft. tall, with stout, spreading, contorted branches forming a broad, irregular-shaped crown. The foliage is so deeply and narrowly lobed leaves that some leaves resemble a turkey foot. Leaves are deciduous, but the brightly colored fall foliage stays on the tree well into winter.

The common name refers to the shape of the 3-lobed leaves suggesting a turkeys foot. The Latin species name, meaning smooth, describes the nearly hairless leaves. Spreads by underground runners, especially after frequent fires.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , SC , VA
Native Distribution: Coastal Plain from s.e. VA to c. FL & w. to s.e. LA
Native Habitat: Dry sandhills; coastal plain ridges
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Sandy, sterile, well-drained soil.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
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Bibliography

Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski and Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Quercus laevis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Quercus laevis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Quercus laevis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-18
Research By: TWC Staff

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