Quercus douglasii

Photo by Mark W. Skinner

Common Name(s): 

Blue Oak

Phonetic Spelling: 

“ˈkwɜrkəs duːˈɡlæsii”

Description: 

A slow-aging oak tree that grows less than 30 centimeters per year. Has slightly bluer leaves than other oak trees, hence the name. Leaves are slightly lobed. The bark is a slightly greyish color. Are very drought-tolerant and dominant in blue oak woodland ecosystems. Part of the Fagaceae and grows acorns.

Distribution/Location: 

Native and endemic to California.

Environmental Concerns: 

Threatened by extreme droughts and hot weather due to climate change. Extinction status is not extinct.

Citation(s): 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the week/quercus_douglasii.shtml#:~:text=Blue%20oak%20leaves%20are%20relatively,is%20smooth%20and%20light%20grey.

Learn More: 

https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=QUDO