Origin: Southern and Central Europe
Botanical characteristics: It is a large medium-fast growing tree, up to 30-40 meters high and has an oval spreading crown. Leaves are oblong, 6 to 12 cm, deeply lobed with acute lobes characterized by dark green, rough mucron, yellow-brown in autumn. It is a monoecious plant, having separated male and female inflorescences on the same plant. Acorns, individual or in groups of 4, are shortly pedunculate and have a peculiar dome covered with linear, curly scales, up to 1 cm long.
Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It is present throughout the woodlands between 100 and 800 meters, more frequent in southern Italy. On sandy, clay, from alkaline to moderately acidic soils. It has an high drought resistance and a good air pollution resistance.
Use: It is used more as an ornamental plant than for the quality of its woods which is lower than the other oaks. It is used in parks and gardens as single exemplary, in groups or in urban green spaces for tree-lined avenues. It is suitable for afforestation of uncultivated, abandoned and hilly areas.
