Quercus coccifera, is a species in the genus Quercus which contains around 700 species, belonging to the family of the Fagaceae (Beech Family). It is native to the Mediterranean region (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Balkans, Greece, Turkiye, Cyprus, Libya and Morocco). The Kermes Oak was historically important as the food plant of Kermes scale insects, from which a red  cochineal dye called crimson was obtained. Species name coccifera derived from Latin ‘coccum’ the name of the kermes insect and ‘fera’ means bearer.

Quercus coccifera is usually a shrub less than 2 meters high, rarely a small tree reaching more than 10 meters high. In Cyprus village of Kalopanagiotis, the tallest tree of this species has grown to a height of 17 meters, estimated  700 years old. One specimen at Gökceada-Turkiye is recorded 12,5 meters tall and 130 centimeters in trunk diameter.

Kermes Oak is an evergreen shrub or a small tree, with smooth grey bark (cracking with age) and a rounded to broadly spreading canopy. The coriaceous leaves are alternate, dark-green, spiny-serrated, 2–4 cm long and 1–3 cm broad. The flowers of Quercus coccifera are arranged in spikes. It blooms from March to May. Tree is monoecious, bears on different branches staminate flowers in catkins and female acorn cupules. The acorns are 2–3 cm long and 1.5–2 cm in diameter when mature about 18 months after pollination. They are held in a cup covered in dense, elongated, reflexed scales. Ornamental, brown nuts might occur from October to December of the following year. The acorns are very bitter, varying greatly in size and shape from one specimen to another and tasting bad.

Kermes Oak prefers a sunny situation on fresh to moist soil. It is not particular about soil but prefer moist soil.  It is the last species of genus Quercus to disappear when rainfall is lacking. Propagating done by seed or dividing root suckers. The plants tolerate temperatures down to -12°C.

Quercus calliprinos, the Palestinian oak, of the eastern Mediterranean, has been distinguished from the Kermes Oak by its larger size (more often it is a tree) and larger acorns over 2 cm diameter. This tree now is considered as a variety of Quercus coccifera.

 Use in Landscape: Kermes Oak as indifferent to chemistry of soils, (living on calcareous, pebbly, stony and poor soils) also capable of extreme temperatures and low rainfall, is one of the shrubs or trees to be chosen for harsh conditions. It is much more resistant to drought than “Quercus ilex” so in dry places must be used instead of Quercus ilex. Also, may be used on sea cliffs and in windy areas where other species of Quercus or Pinus cannot resist.