Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica, Sp. Pl. ed. 4. 4: 451 (1805))

Family: Fagaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 4. 4: 451 (1805)

Year: 1805

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Quercus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SW. Europe to Italy, Morocco

Description

The Pyrenean oak, scientifically known as Quercus pyrenaica, is a majestic member of the Fagaceae family. Its origins trace back to 1805 when it was described by the botanist Willd., whose work is catalogued in “Sp. Pl. ed. 4. 4: 451.”

This deciduous tree is native to southwestern Europe, stretching from the Iberian Peninsula to Italy, and can also be found in parts of Morocco. The Pyrenean oak thrives in a variety of habitats, from forested areas to mountainous regions, often preferring well-drained soils.

Renowned for its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions, Quercus pyrenaica plays a significant ecological role. It supports a variety of wildlife, providing food and shelter to numerous species. The tree’s acorns are a vital food source for birds and mammals, while its sturdy wood is utilized in both traditional and modern applications.

The Pyrenean oak is also valued for its robust and aesthetic wood, which is often used in construction, furniture-making, and even in the production of charcoal. Beyond its practical uses, the tree is appreciated for its ornamental qualities. Its expansive canopy and attractive foliage make it a popular choice in landscaping and restoration projects.

Cultivating Quercus pyrenaica requires patience and an understanding of its growth patterns. Propagation is typically achieved through seed, and young saplings should be protected from frost and grazing animals. With proper care, the Pyrenean oak can thrive, contributing to biodiversity and adding a touch of natural beauty to its environment.

Common Names

Eng: pyrenean oak
Swe: pyreneisk ek
Nld: pyreneese eik
En: Pyrenean oak, Hoary Oak, Pyrenees Oak
Ca: Roure reboll
Nl: Pyreneese eik, Pyrenese Eik
Fr: Chêne des Pyrénées, Chêne tauzin, Chêne-brosse, Chêne doux, Chêne noir
De: Pyrenäen Eiche, Pyrenäeneiche, Pyrenäische Eiche
It: Quercia dei Pirenei, Robollo
Es: Marojo, Melojo, Rebollo
Sv: Pyreneisk ek

Synonyms

• Quercus tauzin (Pers.)
• Quercus tauza (Desf.)
• Quercus toza (Gillet ex Bosc)
• Quercus tauzinii (Bubani)
• Quercus toza var. stenocarpa (Rouy)
• Quercus toza var. pendula (Dippel)
• Quercus toza var. sphaerocarpa (Rouy)
• Quercus toza var. vulgaris (Cout.)
• Quercus pyrenaica f. expansa ((C.Vicioso) F.M.Vázquez)
• Quercus cenomanensis (Desp. ex DC.)
• Quercus toza var. spicata (Tourlet)
• Quercus toza var. normalis (Rouy)
• Quercus pyrenaica f. normalis ((Rouy) F.M.Vázquez)
• Quercus toza var. coenomanensis (DC.)
• Quercus stolonifera (Lapeyr.)
• Quercus cerris var. tomentosa (DC.)
• Quercus pyrenaica f. brachyloba (O.Schwarz)
• Quercus toza var. sessiliflora-serotina (Desp.)
• Quercus toza var. pyrenaica ((Willd.) Wenz.)
• Quercus toza var. humilis (Nyman)
• Quercus pyrenaica f. stenocarpa ((Rouy) F.M.Vázquez)
• Quercus pubescens (Brot.)
• Quercus toza var. sessiliflora (Desp.)
• Quercus pyrenaica f. sphaerocarpa ((Rouy) F.M.Vázquez)
• Quercus brossa (Bosc)
• Quercus aurin (Bosc)
• Quercus pyrenaica var. expansa (C.Vicioso)
• Quercus pyrenaica f. laciniata (O.Schwarz)
• Quercus pyrenaica f. pinnatifida (O.Schwarz)
• Quercus pyrenaica f. pinnatipartita (C.Vicioso)
• Quercus lezermiana (Bosc ex Poir.)
• Quercus camata (G.Kirchn.)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by Millán Javie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2021 by Nacho F. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2021 by JOSE LUIS ALVAREZ LOPEZ (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2020 by prieto Laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Collados Ana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Alain LÉTRANGE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by megadex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by Millán Javie (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 26, 2020 by Christian Delnoy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Obrero Larrea Juan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2020 by Fernández Gonzalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by Millán Javie (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 9, 2022 by Elena Vicente García (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Ernesto Martín (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by david gaudin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2021 by Lourdes Koch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:296652-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2878826)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus pyrenaica Willd.)

Specifications

Growth