Oregon White Oak (Garry Oak)
Quercus garryana · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree / Wildlife Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (Native)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6-9
About This Tree
A medium to large slow-growing tree with a broad, rounded, spreading crown. Characterized by sturdy, gnarled architectural branches that provide a rugged aesthetic. It is highly valued for its longevity and resilience in native landscapes.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves, 3-6 inches long with 5-7 deep rounded lobes. Dark leathery green on top, paler underneath. Leaves turn yellowish-brown to copper in the fall.
Bark Characteristics
Light gray to grayish-brown bark with thick, shallow furrows and scaly ridges that become more pronounced and 'checkerboard' like with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Western North America (British Columbia to California), primary native oak of the Pacific Northwest
Growing Season
Bud break in late spring; flowers (catkins) appear with leaves in April-May; acorns ripen in autumn; enters winter dormancy after shedding leaves in late fall.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun preferred; highly drought-tolerant once established. Thrives in well-drained soil but adaptable to various moisture levels except permanent saturation.
Mature Size
Typically 50-80 feet tall with a similar spread. Very slow growth rate. Can live up to 500 years or more.
Special Characteristics
Fire-resistant bark; produces high-density hardwood; extremely drought-tolerant; historically significant to indigenous peoples as a managed food source; highly resistant to many common pests.
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical keystone species supporting hundreds of species. Acorns provide vital food for squirrels, jays, and deer. Serves as a primary host for various gall-forming insects and nesting habitat for the Western Gray Squirrel.