Blue Oak Characteristics
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Scientific name Quercus douglasii Hook. & Arn. Common names Blue, white, mountain, rock, iron, post, jack, Douglas Height Usually 20-60 ft.; tallest over 90 ft. Mature Tree DBH (Diam. at Breast Ht.) Less than 1 ft., up to 2 ft.; largest over 6 ft. Longevity Long-lived, 175-450 yrs. Sprouting Variable sprouter; not vigorous on dry sites Acorn Matures first year; variable in shape; warty scales; Cup very shallow
Foliage Deciduous; blue-gray color; smooth or slightly to deeply lobed edges; 1-3 in. long and 1/2-2 in. wide
Shade Tolerance Seedlings not tolerant Fire Tolerance Tolerates grass fires; not hot brush fires Elevation 500-2000 ft. in north; up to 5000 ft. in south Associates Grades into open valley oak stands at low elevations; blends into denser live oak stands at higher elev.; foothill pine common Sites Hot, dry sites with rocky soils, 12-40 in. deep; can't compete with live oak on better sites Identification Notes Confused with valley oaks when leaves are dusty |
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