Oregon White Oak

Quercus garryana (Fagaceae) is a deciduous tree native to western North America from British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to northern California. It grows slowly to about 80 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown and thick, checked bark. The deeply lobed leaves resemble those of eastern white oaks. It is the only native oak of importance in the northern portion of its range.

Oregon white oak grows in full sun on well-drained soil (pH 4.8 to 6.7) with low water needs. It is moderately drought tolerant and long-lived. The species defines the Garry oak ecosystem, one of the most endangered ecosystems in its native range. It is named for Nicholas Garry of the Hudson's Bay Company. The variety breweri is a shrubby form reaching only 5 to 6 feet. Hardy in Zones 3b to 8b.

Open pasture trees around south Puget Sound develop wide branch angles and prominent branch collars, creating more resilient crotch geometry than forest-grown specimens.

— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist