Tanoak
Notholithocarpus densiflorus
Despite its oak-like acorns and leaves, tanoak isn't a true oak at all — it belongs to its own genus in the beech family, more closely related to chestnuts. Its acorns were a major food staple for many California and southern Oregon tribes, and its bark was once a leading source of tannin for the leather industry.
Where found
Coastal forests of southwest Oregon and northern California, often mixed with Douglas fir and redwood.
Fun facts
- Not a true oak — reclassified out of the genus Lithocarpus into its own genus, Notholithocarpus, in 2008.
- Its bark was harvested commercially for tannin used in leather tanning through the early 20th century.
- Acorns were a dietary staple, ground into meal after leaching out bitter tannins.
Specs
| Height | 15–40 m |
|---|---|
| Spread | 8–15 m |
| Lifespan | 150–250 yrs |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Sun | Part shade to full sun |
| Native Range | Southwest Oregon to central California, mostly within 50 miles of the coast |
