Family: Fagaceae, Beech view all from this family

Description Tree with dense, rounded, spreading crown of stout branches; sometimes shrubby.
Height: 30-70' (9-21 m).
Diameter: 1-2 1/2' (0.3-0.8 m).
Leaves: 3-6" (7.5-15 cm) long, 2-4" (5-10 cm) wide. Elliptical, blunt or rounded at both ends; deeply lobed halfway or more to midvein, with blunt or slightly toothed lobes; slightly thickened. Shiny dark green above, light green and usually hairy beneath; sometimes turning reddish in autumn.
Bark: light gray or whitish; thin; scaly or furrowed into broad ridges.
Acorns: 1-1 1/4" (2.5-3 cm) long; elliptical, 1/4-1/3 enclosed by shallow, thin, scaly cup; stalkless or short-stalked; sweetish and edible.

Habitat In valleys and on mountain slopes; often in pure stands and with other oaks.

Range SW. British Columbia south to central California in Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada; to 3000' (914 m) in north and at 1000-5000' (305-1524 m) in south.

Discussion The oak of greatest commercial importance in the West, this species is used for furniture, shipbuilding, construction, cabinetwork, interior finish, and fuel. It is the only native oak in Washington and British Columbia. The sweetish acorns, often common in alternate years, are relished by livestock and wildlife and were eaten by Indians. Planted for shade and ornament, it resembles the eastern White Oak (Quercus alba L.).