Quercus – Fine Trees

Oak trees are quintessential California. The image of a massive oak set apart on a rolling, golden hill is iconic. In California, oaks appear in the landscape from the foggy coast, to chaparral canyons, to the hot Central Valley, to the hills and foothills of the Sierras. Each type is especially adapted to the soil and microclimate of the area.

Oak woodland in Sonoma County

Oak trees are categorized in the Fagaceae family, in the Quercus genus. The origin of the Latin word quercus is thought to be derived from the Celtic for “fine” and “tree”. Within Quercus are about 500 species. Some are deciduous (drop their leaves) and others are evergreen. Some of the evergreens are summer- or drought-deciduous, meaning they drop some leaves during the dry season or drought as a water conserving strategy. The common name “live oak” refers to evergreen oaks.

Graceful limbs of Quercus agrifolia close to the coast

Leaves may be lobed or serrated (little teeth); flowers are catkins (slim, cylindrical flower clusters), and the fruit is the acorn. They are long-lived; some may grow to be 350 – 400 years old with the right conditions. Some species thrive in a forest setting, others require lots of space and deep soil. Oak trees may be host to many birds, animals, and insects, making them an important part of the environment.