Kermes Oak
Quercus coccifera
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Pl. 88E0 — Quercus coccifera
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IOverview
Overview
Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera) is a shrub native to the Mediterranean region, including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Greece. Known for its edible acorns, this oak species thrives in moist, medium to heavy clay soils with a pH of 5.5–6.5. It can grow up to 4 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9. This plant is valued not only for its edible parts but also for its ornamental qualities, making it a suitable addition to gardens and landscapes. One distinctive feature is its light requirement; it prefers partial shade, contributing to its adaptability in various environments.
Quick answers
What is Kermes Oak?
Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera) is a shrub native to the Mediterranean region, including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Greece. Known for its edible acorns, this oak species thrives in moist, medium to heavy clay soils with a pH of 5.
What is Kermes Oak used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Kermes Oak
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Kermes Oak has been traditionally used in Mediterranean herbal practices for digestive issues. A tea made from its leaves may help soothe the stomach and improve digestion.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves compounds such as tannins which have astringent properties that can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Kermes Oak, like other oak species, has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support the immune system. A decoction made from its leaves may help bolster natural defenses against seasonal ailments.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves bioactive compounds such as tannins and flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to overall immune health.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Kermes Oak support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Kermes Oak thrives in well-drained to heavy clay soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It prefers moist conditions but is not overly fussy about water. This shrub grows best in light shade or full sun, requiring moderate sunlight exposure. Hardy in temperate regions from zones 5-9, it can be propagated through seed. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains consistently moist and provide ample space for its shrub-like habit, which typically reaches up to 4 meters in height.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
4.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Kermes Oak for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Kermes Oak as a shrub in your garden for a beginner-friendly experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Kermes Oak seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Kermes Oak in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and prepare a spot that receives full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant young plants after all danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Kermes Oak annually in late winter to remove dead branches and promote healthy growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:DyeTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 22 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpain
Asia2 regions
native (2)PalestineTurkey
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Yugoslavia, Turkey-in-Europe
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 88e01525-47a7-4b7b-b766-da7f16fe8b4d
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