Quercus

Pyrenean oak

14 May 2020

Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) belongs to the Fagaceae family. This oak is also known as Tauzin oak, Gascon name of the species.

Decidious tree, Pyrenean oak high is between 15 and 20 meters. Its trunk is often short and twisted and its young shoots are whitish to pink. Its leaves, which can be up to 20 cm, have deep and irregular lobes. Leaves are also pubescent on both faces*. Acorns, more or less pedunculated, are grouped by 2 to 4 and have a cupula with pubescent triangular scales.

Its natural area of geographic dispersion extends along the Atlantic coast from the North of Marocco to the Loire river valley through Iberian Peninsula. In metropolitan France, Pyrenean oak is mainly present in the lands of Gascogne, the western center and the Sologne. Species is mainly disseminated on acid and drained soil from the sea level to 500 meters in altitude, generally mix with maritime pine, pedunculate oak or silver birches.

Pyrenean oak wood, dense and hard, is difficult to work. However, it is very appreciated as fuel (charcoal) and its bark contains a tan formerly sought after by tanners.

Finally, Pyrenean oak seems to be in a good position to resist global warming.

*Cover with short hairs