How to identify Sessile oak (Quercus petraea)

How to identify Sessile oak (Quercus petraea)

Sessile oak, also known as Durmast oak, Chestnut oak

Sessile oak appears as a majestic deciduous tree characterized by its broad and rounded crown. This species typically produces acorns directly from its stems in clusters, which are notable for lacking stalks. The leaves exhibit a deep green hue, contributing to its dense canopy. It thrives in a variety of soil conditions, from moist, fertile, and well-drained to poorer, drier types, and can adapt across a pH spectrum from acidic to alkaline. Sessile oak's bark is rugged, providing a textured appearance along its sturdy trunk.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Sessile oak

Broad, rounded crown with a dense canopy.

Acorns grow stalkless in clusters.

Leaves with glossy upper surface, pubescent underside, and rounded lobes.

Grey-brown stem with tawny lenticels, thickening towards base.

Deeply fissured, rugged bark ranging from light to dark gray.

Detailed Traits of Sessile oak

Leaf Features

The leaves of sessile oak are 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) long and feature a glossy green upper surface. The underside is pale and varies from smooth to pubescent. They exhibit 4-6 pairs of rounded lobes, providing a distinctive shape. The veins are conspicuously arranged, contributing to the leaf's overall texture and pattern. These characteristics are key identifiers for sessile oak, making its leaves a noticeable feature during identification.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of sessile oak are greenish-yellow and form drooping catkins, measuring about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. These catkins appear alongside the leaves, usually in spring. The flowers lack petals, contributing to their understated appearance. They do not emit a noticeable scent. During the blooming period, the male catkins dangle prominently, while the female flowers are smaller and less conspicuous, located near the ends of twigs.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of sessile oak is grey-brown, shiny, and hairless, providing a smooth texture. It is angled, adding distinct definition to its structure. Small tawny lenticels are scattered along the surface, contributing to its unique appearance. Typically much thicker towards the base, the stem branches out in a well-defined pattern. Measuring about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter on younger growth, the stem thickens progressively, supporting the tree's robust framework.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of sessile oak consists of 1.2-inch (approximately 3 cm) oval acorns which are notable for being stalkless and growing in clusters. Each acorn is capped by a scaled cupule that intriguingly covers about one-third of the nut. The acorns, with their distinctive cupules, are characterized by their maturation within the first year. This quick maturation process is a key feature for identifying the ripe, ready-to-disperse seeds.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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