Like all oaks, Virginia live oaks grow from seed, in this case an acorn. All oaks also produce catkins that hang from the oak branches in the spring, pollinating the very small oak blossoms and causing an unpleasant number of allergic reactions. So what makes our native Virginia live oaks different from other native oaks?
Well, our two native Virginia oaks, the Canyon Virginia oak and the Interior Virginia oak, are both evergreen. They have glossy green leaves with “spines” on the leaf edges, similar to holly leaves. Maybe not actual spines, but definitely stickers to let you know what they are in case you happen to be weeding near a Virginia oak.
The bark is also an indicator of the Virginia oak. It has a dark bark and as the Virginia oak ages, cracks form in the bark, which turn into deep cracks in older branches.
Canyon Live Oak (Q chysolepis) – The Canyon Live Oak is the most widespread of all California oaks. It is found from southwestern Oregon to Baja California. It grows between 20 and 60 feet tall and wide. They are susceptible to “Sudden Oak Death.” Although this disease is supposedly not present in our area, I have noticed many dead Canyon Live Oaks on both our property and our neighbor’s in recent years.
Virginia Oak (Wislizenil) – Found on the east side of the Coast Range as well as in the Sierra foothills, they grow to 75 feet tall and are wider than they are tall, with a rounded crown. Like many other oaks, they make a beautiful addition to parks and large lawns.
As you walk or drive through Tehama County, be sure to look to the horizon. There you will see a large number of Virginia live oaks and other native California oak species. These beautiful, elegant, magnificent and majestic trees can be viewed with joy and awe. Enjoy what our environment offers and take delight in our magnificent surroundings.
You are also welcome to attend a meeting of the Red Bluff Garden Club. Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 27th. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the Red Bluff Methodist Church, 525 David Ave.
The Red Bluff Garden Club is a member of the Cascade District, California Garden Clubs, Inc. and Pacific Region National Garden Clubs, Inc.
