Oregon White Oak
Quercus garryana
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
J Brew (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fagaceae
- Genus:
- Quercus
- Species:
- Quercus garryana
- USDA Symbol:
- QUGA4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 2500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★★☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, squirrels, deer, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow, brown
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Oregon white oak is highly fire-adapted, resprouting vigorously from the root crown after fire. Historically maintained by frequent low-intensity fires in oak savanna ecosystems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, rocky or sandy loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny locations
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–120 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Acorns should be planted fresh in fall or cold stratified; they have no dormancy but benefit from cold treatment to synchronize spring germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked in a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution for 24 hours, rinsed, and then placed in aerated water for an additional 48 hours. They are then placed on mesh-bottom trays, sealed in plastic bags, and refrigerated at 1 to 3 °C for 60 days. Seeds should be checked weekly for mold and treated with 1% hydrogen peroxide if necessary.
Establishment: Nuts are considered ripe when they separate freely from the acorn cap and fall from the tree. Local fruits should be collected as they may be adapted to local environmental conditions. Nuts with discoloration or sticky exudates, and small holes caused by insect larvae, should be discarded. Germination may begin to occur during the stratification period. If radicles have started to emerge, the germinated seeds should be sown immediately.
Source: npn.rngr.net