California Black Oak

The California Black oak (Quercus kelloggii) is a member of the red oak group of oaks and is, like the Oregon White Oak, critical to wildlife habitat throughout its range and in places where it has been adapted/range extended. Red oaks typically have higher tannic acid in their acorns which makes them less palatable than White oak acorns, however, they germinate more slowly which means they are available as a food source for a longer period. Black oaks provide den sites, browse and food for such variety of wildlife as black bear, mule deer, squirrel, many wild birds and insects and livestock. They are a major canopy shade source for wildlife as well. Native to California and as far north as the Umpqua Valley in Oregon, this oak has been planted widely throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Growing usually to a height of 80 feet, they tend to be slightly smaller than the Oregon White Oak, but have been known to reach as tall as 110 feet. These majestic shade trees also live up to 500 years.