Kermes oak Quercus coccifera
Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Fagaceae family, native to Mediterranean Basin. It grows 1–5 m (3.3–16 ft) tall and 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Kermes oak in your garden →
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Kermes oak at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Mature height | 1–5 m (3.3–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean Basin |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇵🇹 Portugal |
Is Kermes oak toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: acorns, leaves
Tannins: stomach upset; risky for dogs and livestock in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Kermes oak
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Kermes oak
- How far apart should I plant Kermes oak?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft).
- Does Kermes oak need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kermes oak need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Kermes oak?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Kermes oak flower?
- From about April for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Kermes oak poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Tannins: stomach upset; risky for dogs and livestock in quantity.
- What grows well with Kermes oak?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kermes oak. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- Holly-like evergreen oak of the garrigue; the scale insect that gave the red dye kermes lives on it.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa
- English oak Quercus robur
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- European beech Fagus sylvatica
- Holm oak Quercus ilex
- Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia
- Cork oak Quercus suber
- Northern red oak Quercus rubra