An overview of ecology and silviculture of indigenous oaks in France

Abstract

There are nine species of oaks in French forests: Quercus petraea, Q. robur, Q. pubescens, Q. pyrenaica, Q. ilex, Q. rubra, Q. suber. Q. coccifera and Q. cerris. First the authors analyze the distributions of these species in France, as they result from the vegetation dynamics in Europe and the long-lasting action of man. Second, their synecology will be described, based on the empirical knowledge accumulated by botanists and phytoecologists. The authors then describe the vegetation series to which they are related. Next the authors consider the results of ecophysiological studies of the species. Finally, the authors review the sylvicultural practices applied to oak forests, their productivity under different local conditions and the diverse products they yield.