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Quercus kelloggii
The California black oak is a medium to large deciduous tree found in Oregon and California. Adult specimens rarely grow taller than 80 feet (24 m) with a trunk diameter of no more than 4.5 feet (1.37 m) The tree’s bark is generally smooth and gray in color on younger plants but will become darker and more craggy as the tree ages. Very old trees often have bark which is nearly black, thereby giving the species its name. The leaves measure up to 10 inches long and consist of nine pointed lobes.
Because it is often the dominate tree in its range, a variety of wild animals depend on the oak for their survival. Western pileated woodpeckers may carve cavities for nesting in its trunk, while its acorns are consumed by rodents, deer and insects. The acorns were also extensively harvested by Native Americans who ground them into meal. The leaves are browsed by black bear, deer and livestock. It is highly fire-resistant and benefits from periodic wildfires which reduce competition with other tree species.
Today, the black oak is an important source of lumber and accounts for over a quarter of California’s hardwood timber resources. It is a close relative of the eastern black oak (Quercus velutina) found in the eastern part of the United States.
Distribution
The tree can be found mostly in California with more limited populations in southern Oregon up through Lane County. It will grow in a variety of ecosystems, including mixed evergreen forests and woodlands in uplands and mountains.
Conservation Status
Although still common, the abundance of California black oak has decreased dramatically from its historic levels. Logging, drought and disease continue to limit the tree’s numbers.
Quercus kelloggii
The California black oak is a medium to large deciduous tree found in Oregon and California. Adult specimens rarely grow taller than 80 feet (24 m) with a trunk diameter of no more than 4.5 feet (1.37 m) The tree’s bark is generally smooth and gray in color on younger plants but will become darker and more craggy as the tree ages. Very old trees often have bark which is nearly black, thereby giving the species its name. The leaves measure up to 10 inches long and consist of nine pointed lobes.
Because it is often the dominate tree in its range, a variety of wild animals depend on the oak for their survival. Western pileated woodpeckers may carve cavities for nesting in its trunk, while its acorns are consumed by rodents, deer and insects. The acorns were also extensively harvested by Native Americans who ground them into meal. The leaves are browsed by black bear, deer and livestock. It is highly fire-resistant and benefits from periodic wildfires which reduce competition with other tree species.
Today, the black oak is an important source of lumber and accounts for over a quarter of California’s hardwood timber resources. It is a close relative of the eastern black oak (Quercus velutina) found in the eastern part of the United States.
Distribution
The tree can be found mostly in California with more limited populations in southern Oregon up through Lane County. It will grow in a variety of ecosystems, including mixed evergreen forests and woodlands in uplands and mountains.
Conservation Status
Although still common, the abundance of California black oak has decreased dramatically from its historic levels. Logging, drought and disease continue to limit the tree’s numbers.