Know How:
Encyclopaedia of trees- Choosing shrubs and trees
- Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera)
Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera)
The Kermes Oak is an evergreen shrub or tree with thorny leaves. It is the host plant of the Coccus ilicis Planch whose dried females are used to produce a purple dye (Kermes (Arabic) = carmine, crimson).
Leaves
Evergreen, elliptic or ovate leaves, dark green above. Length: 1.5 to 4 cm. The leaves have spiny tips and sides.
Photos
Related
Application
Garrigue, macchia vegetation, open country, afforestation, bird protection, public areas, urban areas, pedestrian precincts, container plants, private gardens, front gardens
Native regions
Mediterranean regions, Turkey, Caucasus
Location parameters
Light: sunny to off-sun; soil structure: normal to airy.
Demands
Does not tolerate stagnant moisture and compaction.
Growth
Height of growth: 1 - 3 m. Often shrubby. Usually very dense growth.
Leaves
Evergreen, elliptic or ovate leaves, dark green above. Length: 1.5 to 4 cm. The leaves have spiny tips and sides.
Flowers
Flowering period: I-VV. Inconspicuous green flowers.
Fruits
2 to 3 cm long acorns. Cups with protruding, short, thorny scales.
Bark
Mid-grey bark, with scaly segmentation on older trees. Branches are yellowish-brown with hairs.