Family: Fagaceae
Author: (Matt.) Liebl.
Bibliography: Fl. Fuld.: 403 (1784)
Year: 1784
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Quercus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to N. Iran
Description
The Sessile Oak, scientifically known as Quercus petraea, is a stately and resilient tree that stands as a symbol of endurance and longevity within its native range, which spans Europe to Northern Iran. This remarkable species belongs to the Fagaceae family and shares its majestic grandeur with other distinguished members of the oak family.
One of the most striking features of the Sessile Oak is its deep-rooting system, which enables it to thrive on well-drained, nutrient-poor soils, often prevailing on higher altitudes and rocky grounds. The tree earns its common name ‘sessile’ from the characteristic manner in which its acorns attach directly to the twigs, in contrast to being borne on long stalks like those of the closely related English Oak (Quercus robur).
The leaves of the Sessile Oak are distinguishable by their elongated, oval shape, with a smooth or slightly toothed margin. They exhibit a lustrous green hue during the growing season, transforming into stunning shades of yellow and brown as autumn progresses. This seasonal spectacle not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of landscapes but also signals the tree’s adaptation to temperate climates.
Historically, Quercus petraea, first described in the botanical literature by Matthias Mattioli and later classified by Franz von Paula Schrank and Joseph Liebl, has been valued for its robust, hard wood. This timber is renowned for its strength and durability, making it a favored choice for construction, furniture making, and barrel crafting, especially in the wine and whiskey industries where it imparts a refined flavor to the beverages.
Beyond its commercial applications, the Sessile Oak plays a pivotal ecological role. It supports a diverse range of wildlife, providing habitat and nourishment to numerous species of birds, insects, and mammals. The dense canopy offers shelter, while the fallen leaves enrich the soil through decomposition, fostering a thriving understorey of plants and fungi.
In terms of conservation, Quercus petraea holds significant importance. Efforts to protect and manage existing populations are crucial, given the tree’s slow growth rate and the environmental pressures of deforestation and climate change. Promoting the planting and preservation of Sessile Oaks is essential to maintaining biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems across their natural habitat range.
In conclusion, the Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) is a quintessential European oak, revered for its remarkable endurance, ecological value, and historical significance. Whether admired for its sturdy timber or its role in supporting wildlife, this venerable tree stands as a testament to nature’s resilience and grandeur.
Common Names
Deu: trauben-eiche, traubeneiche
Dan: vinter-eg
Swe: bergek, druvek, vinterek
Fra: chêne rouvre
Eng: durmast oak, sessile oak, sessile oak, durmast oak
Nob: vintereik
Nno: vintereik
Nld: wintereik
Cym: crach dderw, derwen ddigoes, derwen fawr ganghennog, derwen mes di-goes
En: Sessile oak, Durmast oak, Sessile oak, durmast oak
Ar: سنديان صخري
Hy: Կաղնի ոսկեգույն
Eu: Haritz kandugabea
Be: Дуб зімовы, Дуб скальны
Bs: Hrast kitnjak
Bg: Зимен дъб
Ca: Roure de fulla gran
Zh: 無梗花櫟
Kw: Derow
Hr: Hrast kitnjak
Cs: Dub zimní
Da: Vinter-Eg
Nl: Wintereik
Eo: Tigfolia kverko
Et: Kivitamm
Fi: Talvitammi
Fr: Chêne rouvre
Gl: Carballo branco
De: Trauben-Eiche, Traubeneiche
Hu: Kocsánytalan tölgy
Is: Vetrareik
Ga: Dair ghaelach
It: Ischia, Quercia rovere, Rovere
Lv: Klinšu ozols
Lt: Bekotis ąžuolas
Mk: Горун
No: Vintereik
Nb: Vintereik
Nn: Vintereik
Fa: سفیدمازو
Pl: Dąb bezszypułkowy
Ro: Gorun
Rm: Ruver puschlà
Ru: Dub sidâčecvetnyj, Dub skal’nyj, Дуб скальный
Gd: Darach neo-ghasagach
Sr: Храст китњак
Sk: Dub zimný
Es: Graden, Roble albar, Roble
Sv: Bergek, Druvek, Vinterek
Zh-tw: 無梗花櫟
Tr: Sapsız meşe
Uk: Дуб скельний
Cy: Derwen mes di-goes, Crach Dderw, Derwen Ddigoes, Derwen Fawr Ganghennog
Synonyms
- Quercus petraea f. normalis ((O.Schwarz) C.Vicioso)
- Quercus robur var. petraea (Matt.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Italy (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Sébastien Mary (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Christian Rebert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2021 by PS392 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2020 by Benoît Chédru (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Maryline BELALA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2022 by Pascale Boyer-Vidal (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 10, 2019 by Frémont Nicolas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2019 by Frémont Nicolas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Maryline BELALA (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 1994 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© 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)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2880130)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:359961-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Tree
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Soil nutriments: 4