Quercus garryana (Oregon White Oak)

Plant Description: This heavy limbed oak can grow to great heights reaching up to 75 feet or more. The crown is broad spreading, open and rounded. The mature bark is light gray, thick, and furrowed in a checker-like pattern. The upper surface of the leaf is shiny and dark green but the underneath side is paler and hairy. They are simple (not divided) with 6-11 rounded deep lobes that are up to 5 in. The leaves turn yellow brown in the fall. Flowering takes place from March to May and are small drooping male catkins or female pistillate (lacks stamens). Flowers are either singular or in small clusters. Fruit is an oblong acorn 1-1.5 in long that mature in one year between August and November. 

• Height: 25-100 ft
• Width: 18-60 ft
• Watering needs: Moist to dry
• Sun needs: Full sun to partial shade. Mature oaks are not full-shade tolerant.
• Soil needs: Grows in a variety of soils ranging from poor, rapidly-draining soil, to dry, to very moist. Likes dry soil in the summer
• Ripening Time: Acorns ripen between August and November.
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): Yes

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: This Willamette Valley native is found in the Northwest to Southern California, from 980-5900 ft in montane coniferous forests, woodland slopes, dry prairies and dry rocky areas. Oregon oak takes the form of a shrub on nutrient-poor soils and drier sites.

This tree is great for meadowscape landscapes. It creates habitat for birds and wildlife and will attract them wherever its planted - Oregon oak is a valuable source of food, habitat and cover for many different types of wildlife.

*2nd photo by SevenOaks Nursery*