Life History and Disturbance Response of Quercus laevis (Turkey Oak)
Family: Fagaceae
Guild: pioneer, dry-site, shade intolerant
Functional Lifeform: small, deciduous tree
Ecological Role: This small tree is commonly found on sand hills, in the poor soils on bluffs and along dry sand ridges. It is one of the few trees that grows in almost sterile soil. Turkey oak is a fast growing, moderately short lived tree.
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 40/50
Shade Tolerance: intolerant
Height, m: 6-15m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 2-3yrs
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: late spring
Seedfall Begins: fall
Seed Banking: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: nut/50m/gravity
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: taproot, then develops extensive root system
Sprouting: will sprout from root collar and stumps
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: sandy low organic matter
Light: open light
Moisture: variable
Disturbance Response:
Fire: In turkey oak habitat, fire favors the more fire-resistant pine. However where fire is a yearly occurrence the herbaceous understory is not thick enough for the fire to reach a severity which will seriously damage the thick barked turkey oak. In locations where the understory has accumulated for 3-4 years it will carry a fire hot enough to kill the oak.
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: