Quercus chrysolepis

Handsome evergreen oak, native from Oregon to Baja, between sea level and 9,000 feet, the most widely distributed oak in California. With its wide range comes a wide variety of characteristics. Rainfall, temperatures and soil type and depth all affect its physical expression. With adequate moisture and deeper soils, it grows a rounded, spreading crown, 20 - 60 ft tall. The shiny, dark-green leaves have fuzzy gold or silvery hairs on the underside, and can sport both smooth or toothed leaf margins. Oaks are habitat powerhouses, offering food and cover for a huge variety of wildlife and insects. The Western tiger swallowtail and California sister are just two butterflies that use oaks as host plants along with a myriad of bird species and mammals. Plant in full sun to light shade where it will be completely drought tolerant once established.