# Sessile Oak (*Quercus petraea*)

The Sessile Oak is a strong tree with broad leaves. It can grow very tall and provides homes for many animals.

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forests and woodlands
- **Also known as:** Durmast Oak

![Sessile Oak](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426787/objects/4783.jpg)

## Appearance

The Sessile Oak has dark green, deeply lobed leaves that appear to attach directly to the twig without a stalk. Its bark is greyish-brown, becoming deeply fissured and rough with age, supporting a broad, majestic crown.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Fagales
- **Family:** Fagaceae
- **Genus:** Quercus

## Interesting facts

- Ancient Sessile Oaks can support hundreds of different insect species!
- Did you know Sessile Oak leaves flutter on the tree much longer in autumn?
- Its strong wood was once used to build mighty Viking ships!
- The Sessile Oak's acorns sprout without a stalk, a unique feature among oaks!

## Special abilities

- **Deep Anchor Roots:** Sessile Oak has extensive root systems that help it withstand strong winds and access deep groundwater, keeping it stable and hydrated.
- **Acorn Power-Up:** Sessile Oak produces energy-rich acorns that help it reproduce, providing vital nutrition for new saplings to grow.
- **Tannin Defense:** Sessile Oak has tannins in its bark and leaves that help it defend against pests and diseases, making it tough and resilient.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 20-40 m
- **Spread:** 15-30 m
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Size:** 100-300 cm
- **Lifespan:** 500-1000 years
- **Fruit Type:** Acorn
- **Growth Rate:** Medium
- **Leaf Type:** Deciduous

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** [Red Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-squirrel) (*Sciurus vulgaris*) — Feeds on acorns, often burying them for later.
- **Parasitizes:** Common Oak Gall Wasp (*Andricus kollari*) — Larvae develop inside galls formed on oak branches.
- **Eaten by:** [Red Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-deer) (*Cervus elaphus*) — Browses on young leaves, twigs, and bark.

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
- [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Sessile Oak?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Sessile Oak?

20-40 m

### How wide does Sessile Oak spread?

15-30 m

### Is Sessile Oak edible?

Yes

### How big is Sessile Oak?

100-300 cm

### How long does Sessile Oak live?

500-1000 years

### Where is Sessile Oak usually found?

Forests and woodlands

### What kind of fruit does Sessile Oak produce?

Acorn

## Where to spot

- [Biosphärenreservat Pfälzerwald-Nordvogesen](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pfalzerwald-nordvogesen-biosphere-reserve) — Rheinland-Pfalz, DE · Park
- [Pfaueninsel und Schloss Pfaueninsel Berlin](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pfaueninsel-und-schloss-pfaueninsel-berlin) — Berlin, DE · Park
- [Brückenpark Müngsten (Solingen)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bruckenpark-mungsten-solingen) — Nordrhein-Westfalen, DE · Park
- [Eifel National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/eifel-national-park) — Nordrhein-Westfalen, DE · Park
- [Naturpark Niederlausitzer Heidelandschaft](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/niederlausitzer-heidelandschaft-nature-park) — Brandenburg, DE · Park
- [Naturpark Rhein-Taunus](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/naturpark-rhein-taunus) — Hessen, DE · Park

[View all places to see Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/sessile-oak)

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)
- [Sugar Maple](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sugar-maple) (*Acer saccharum*)

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Source: [Sessile Oak: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak)