Sessile oak Quercus petraea
Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fagaceae family, native to Europe to Anatolia. It grows 20–40 m (66–131 ft) tall and 15–25 m (49–82 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 18 m (59 ft) apart.
Plan Sessile oak in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Sessile oak at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 m (66–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Spacing | 18 m (59 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe to Anatolia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Sessile 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 Sessile oak
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Sessile oak
- How far apart should I plant Sessile oak?
- About 18 m (59 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 m (49–82 ft).
- Does Sessile oak need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sessile oak need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Sessile oak?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- Is Sessile 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 Sessile oak?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sessile oak. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- National tree of Ireland; acorns sit directly on the twig (no stalk). Prefers lighter acid upland soils to English oak.
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