Quercus kelloggii

Beautiful in all its seasons, the native black oak makes a fine specimen, alone or in mass. Found mostly in foothills and low mountains away from the immediate coast, often in association with conifers, from California to Oregon. Growing 35 - 80 ft tall, this graceful, deciduous tree starts the spring with gorgeous, rosy-pink new growth. The soft pink leaves soon mature to a lustrous, shiny, dark green and are deeply lobed with pointed tips. Gold-green catkins dangle from the branch tips in the spring, leading to plump acorns, set deep in their scaly cups. In the autumn, the bold, leathery leaves take on golden hues before they fall. Oak trees are the ultimate habitat plant, offering food and cover for a myriad of species, including invertebrates, mammals and birds. Plant in full sun to light shade where it will be drought tolerant once established.