Oregon White Oak
Quercus garryana
The only oak native to much of the Pacific Northwest, this slow-growing species once shaped vast oak savannas maintained by regular Indigenous burning practices — landscapes now largely lost to fire suppression and development. Its acorns fed people and wildlife alike.
Where found
Open prairies, savannas, and dry foothills of the Willamette Valley and Puget lowlands.
Fun facts
- Gray squirrels, deer, and livestock all rely on its acorns and young shoots as food.
- Large trees were historically preferred for shipbuilding, railroad ties, and construction across the Pacific Northwest.
- Its rot-resistant wood is still used for fence posts and cottage furniture today.
Specs
| Height | 12–25 m (up to 30 m) |
|---|---|
| Spread | 12–20 m |
| Lifespan | 300–500 yrs |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Native Range | Southern British Columbia to central California |
