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Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Turkey Oak

Quercus laevis
Family: Fagaceae

Natural History

toak-full
Autumn foliage of turkey oak | Photo credit: Nancy Loewenstein, Auburn University, Bugwood.org

The turkey oak is one of the characteristic trees associated with the sandhill community over much of Florida. The common name refers to the shape of the three lobed leaves that resemble a turkey's foot.

The specific epithet, laevis, comes from the Latin word for "smooth" and describes the nearly hairless leaves. Due to its abundance, the turkey oak may be considered a weed tree in certain areas of Florida.